Gaines Wolaver

Gaines Oliver Wolaver, (G.O. and Pappy) was born in Italy, Texas January 24, 1940, he left this earth to be with Christ on October 17, 2020.  Gaines spent 60 years in education, 54 of those years af Red Oak Independent School District, serving as head football coach, athletic director, biology teacher, director of maintenance, and mentor to thousands of students, where he led the Hawks to their first distinct championship in the 1960’s.  He was a cornerstone of the United Methodist Church of Red Oak, where he served as a lay leader until his passing.  Gaines is one of the oldest continuous members of the Texas High School Coach’s Association.  His passions were football, family and serving the church.  He was a skill craftsman and woodsmith, there are many cabinets and pieces of furniture around Red Oak ISD and in family and friends homes that have his trademark on them.

Gaines was preceded in death by his father Carl Wendell “Sally” Wolaver, his mother Agatha  Hall Wolaver, a sister Sylvia Wolaver, brother Sammy and sister in law Jan Wolaver.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years Linda Wolaver, daughter Jamye Autrey and her husband Jay, son Rob Wolaver and his wife Holly, grandchildren Emma and Kate Autrey, Ashley Bell, Trey Benton, great grandchildren Reese and Raelyn Bell, and Hutson Benton, brother Wendell and sister in law Jan Wolaver, and nephews Kendall, James, Steven and Alan Wolaver.