The Gilmer family with Lillian and LH Gaines at the 1982 Celebration.

Luverl H. Gaines, age 88 of Blytheville, Ark., passed from this life on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at the Lynchburg Nursing Center in Lynchburg, Tenn. Born to Bonnie and Ollie Alexander Gaines in the Half Moon Community, near Blytheville, Ark., he became a successful farmer and spent most of his life in the Blytheville area. He was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army having served his country with honor during WWII.

Mr. Gaines was a man whose love and passion for his Tennessee Walking Horses was only superseded by his love and dedication for family and friends. He was the proud owner of seven World Champion Horses. Dawn's Double Delite won 5 World Championships, Ebony's Darling Gal won 2 World Championships, Copy's Jubilee won 6 World Championships, Promise's Go Boy won 2 World Championships, Eb's Final Notice won 1 World Championship, Gen's Good as Gold won1 World Championship, Pride's Flapjack won 2 World Championships,

Both Copy's Jubilee and Pride's Flapjack won over 300 blue ribbons each during their show careers and Copy's Jubilee won the Specialty Stake as a Four Year Old because there was no Four Year Old Amateur Stake at that time.

Mr. Ray Gilmer, a good friend of Mr. Gaines was quoted as saying, "I had horses for Mr. Gaines for 35 years. He was a great customer and friend. If his horse didn't make a good show, he never blamed me; he always said it was his or the horse's fault. He never complained about the judging; he always said 'There's another show next week.' The only thing he loved more than showing was watching Lillian or Debbie show. His loyalty and guidance will be missed."

His loyalty, knowledge, love and devotion of Horses made a tremendous impact to all he came in contact with. These same qualities he shared with his wife and family, as they were all an integral part of his life. He always be remembered as a man who always gave more than he received.

Mr. Gaines was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lillian Bunch Gaines; grandson, Randy Verl Marbry and Brother, R.V. Gaines.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in law Debbie and Chester Marbry of Shelbyville, Tenn., and granddaughter, Melissa Marbry.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 11:00 am in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10:00am until service time and burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.