Roy Dwayane Gaines, 66-year-old former Marietta, OK resident, peacefully passed away while surrounded by his loving family on January 8, 2026, in the Elmbrook Home in Ardmore, OK. The Homegoing Celebration of Roy's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the New Zion Baptist Church in Marietta with Pastor Lawrence Anderson and Rev. Curtis Caro officiating. Immediately following the service, Roy will be laid to rest next to his parents in the Dunbar Cemetery at Burneyville, OK. Viewing will be between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 16, 2025, at the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to the Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home of Marietta.

Roy began this life on July 9, 1959, in Burneyville, the son of Melroy and Marqueta (Anderson) Gaines. He graduated from Turner High School and immediately entered the workforce. Roy began working for the Cookie Factory in Marietta right out of school and worked there for more than 20 years. This position was a true testament to his work ethic and dedication. In addition, the friends he made there over the years contributed to the great sense of pride he had in his community.

Roy had a servant's heart. He served for many years as an usher at his church. Roy also served as a trustee and on the finance committee and kitchen staff for the church as well. Over the years, Roy developed a few health challenges. In fact, during Roy's lifetime, he contended with dialysis for more than 20 years. However, even after his health forced him to seek living assistance at the nursing home, Roy was still a steward of kindness. He spent countless hours making rounds at the nursing home caring for the needs of his fellow residents.

When Roy had a little time to splurge, he loved making trips to the thrift and antique stores. He loved finding those one of a kind, peculiar treasures. Roy will be remembered as a kindhearted man with attention to planning and detail. Before he passed, Roy even took the time to plan out his own Homegoing Celebration…right down to the menu for the Repass.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents Melroy and Marqueta. Those left to cherish his memory are his brother, Larry Gaines of Marietta; sisters, Joyce Gooden of Oklahoma City, OK, Marneta Dorsey of Marietta, and Debra Gaines of Marietta; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; numerous great nieces and nephews; and special friends, Vernae Trudeau and his "Table Buddy", Virginia Hicks.

Casket bearers are Keeton Manuel, Tyrone Tatum, Jr., Tyler Tatum, Donnie Hurd, Leighton Manuel, Clifton Wright, and Eli Bell. Honorary bearers are Bo Dailey, Willy Anderson, Chris Anderson, Bobby Anderson, Frank Lornes, Anthony Brown, Charles Willis, and Ray Wilhite. Flower girls are Janice Booker, Crystal Cohee, Vanessa Wright, Keisha Bell, Latosha Wilhite, and April Manuel. Honorary flower girls are the Ladies of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Rhidonah Neal, and Barbara Mansfield.

The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to Cross Timbers Hospice, Elmbrook Home, and the Davita Dialysis Center for the unwavering support and compassionate care they have shown to Roy.