Thomas Fontaine Gaines

Thomas Fontaine Gaines III, 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday April 24th at his home in Chattanooga surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Tom was born in New York City on October 10, 1944. He graduated from Rhodes College in 1966 then received an MBA from the University of Memphis. He then married the love of his life, Layne Beaumont, in 1968.

A proud member of Hixson United Methodist church for more than 40 years, Tom served many years as an usher, worked with the Finance committee and was a member and chair of the Stewardship Team.

Tom spent most of his career in the Chattanooga credit union industry. He was president of the State Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation/ Mutual Guaranty Corporation for thirteen years. The last twenty-four years of his career were spent as president of the Tennessee Credit Union League. Tom was one of the founders of Vol Corporate Credit Union and represented southeast credit unions on the board of directors of the Credit Union National Association in Washington, DC.

Tom is survived by his wife Layne, two daughters, Robin Mootz (Jurgen) and Fontaine Tate (Ben), and two grandsons Fisher and Woody Tate. He is also survived by his brother Austin Gaines (Catherine) and three nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Thomas Gaines.

We will miss his dry sense of humor and all his Tom"isms". We love him and he will never be forgotten. We know he is now at peace with the Lord that he has always steadfastly loved.

Visitation will be 2:00-4:00 PM, Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Hixson United Methodist Church, with a service to follow at 4:00 PM, with Rev. Chuck Starks and Drew McCallie officiating.

In lieu of flower, memorials may be made to Dallas Bay Fire Department, 1950 McConnell School Lane, Hixson, TN 37343, or Hixson United Methodist Church - Fuel for Schools Program, 5301 Old Hixson Pike, Hixson TN 37343.

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415 www.lanefh.com 423-877-3524