REMEMBERING: TALES, JOKES AND A COUNTRY BOYS LIFE - Tom Gainer Remembered

(10/10/2025)

Willis "Tom" Gainer died in 2003 at age 63, his wife also deceased By Bob Weaver Tom Gainer use to say "I'm just an ole country boy." It was not a self-deprecating statement. He was a country boy. "You've still got a great twang and a drawl," I joked with him. "I like it," he said, "Never did want to get above my raising." I told him I liked it too. Tom was a former Calhoun commissioner, and served in many community groups and performed his "giving back" duties. Tom was a throw-back, more suited to a century ago, full of tales and jokes, finding great comfort in the wonder of the sod - the simple life, farming and hunting. He was a dedicated neighbor, a "time taker" to volunteer and help out. Life in Calhoun County suited him fine. He was a fellow graduate of the Class of 1958, likable, fun and devoted. Over the years he helped plan our class reunions. REMEMBERING TOM James Whitcomb Riley's A Song Of Long Ago Let the fragrant summer breeze And the leaves of locust trees And the apple buds and blossoms And the wings of honey bees All palpitate with glee Til the happy harmony Brings back each childish joy to you and me U. S. Army 1963, Vet and Army Reservist Working for the Department of Human Services Tom and his wife Emily 1970's Let the eyes of fancy turn Where the tumbled pippins burn Like embers in the orchard's lap of tangled grass and fern There let the old path wind In and out and on behind The cider press that chuckles as we grind Mary Grace and Tom "Now this is a turnip" Tom and Noah - The Great Pumpkin Patch

Hur Herald ®from Sunny Cal The information on these pages, to the extent the law allows, remains the exclusive property of Bob Weaver and Dianne Weaver The Hur Herald. All information may be freely used but must not be sold or used in any type of commercial endeavor, or used on any web site without the express permission of the owners ©Bob and Dianne Weaver, The Hur Herald, 1999, 2000, 2001