Archie Garland Gaines, 88, of Depot Lane, Spout Spring, died Monday, February 8, 2010 in the Salem VA Medical Center. He was the husband of Bettie Layne Gaines.

Born in Charlotte Court House, on July 18, 1921, he was a son of the late Archie James and Mercedes Hodge Gaines. Garland was a member of Salem United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee and was the former chair of the PPR committee. He was the owner and operator of Gaines Jewelry on Main Street in Appomattox from 1954- 1987.

Garland was drafted into the Army in August of 1944 and assigned to the infantry as a rifleman, he qualified as an expert. A shell from a German tank broke both of his legs which earned him a purple heart. Other ribbons and awards he earned were the European African Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon with one battle star, Good Conduct ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, World War II Victory ribbon, American Theatre Campaign ribbon, the Army of Occupation medal-Europe, the Bronze Star, the WW II marksmanship award, and the Honorable Service lapel button.

He was a 52 year member of the American Legion Post #104 where he received the American
Legion Legionnaire of the Year award and the Americanism award in 1999.

In addition to his wife he is survived by four daughters, Barbara G. Roper and husband, Stan of Brevard, NC, Carolyn G. Tolley of Spout Spring, Garlene G. Daniel and husband, Kenneth Jr., of Orange and Vickie Thomas of Spout Spring; three brothers, Carter Gaines of Richmond, Carl (Jessie) Gaines and wife, Ruth and Tucker Gaines and wife, Ruby all of Lynchburg; three sisters, Blanch Casey of New Market, Janie Potter of South Carolina, and Matilda Owen of Charlotte Court House;ten grandchildren, Archie Tolley, Jason Roper and wife, Jennifer, Abby Tolley, Libby R. Jackson and husband, Mick, Julie Roper, Jacquie Leigh Daniel, Kenny Daniel, Ellie Daniel, Zachary Gunter, Jermey Gunter; and one great grandson, Cody Jacob Roper.

He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 11, 2010 in Salem United Methodist Church by the Rev. James Martin. Burial will follow in Concord Cemetery with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post #104 and VFW #9855 combined honor guard.

The family will receive friends at Robinson Funeral Home Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and other times at the residence.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Salem VA Medical Center for their care and concern for Garland and his family and also to Keith Hamilton for his devotion to Garland and his family.

Those wishing to make memorials please consider the American Legion Post #104, PO Box 584, Appomattox, VA 24522 or the Gideons International, PO Box 486, Appomattox, VA 24522.