Gaines was one of the most beloved professors of architecture, interior design and interior architecture at Auburn University for nearly 30 years. His former students became lifelong friends, and in 2017, a group of alumni established the Gaines Blackwell Endowment for Interior Architecture to honor his exceptional teaching and guidance and for his profound influence on the program. After retiring from Auburn, he continued designing many distinctive and elegant homes in his private design practice until his death.
He is survived by his wife of many decades, daughter and son-in-law; many family members, dear friends and scores of former students.
A reception honoring Gaines was held Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at 2 p.m. at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Auburn.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lee County Humane Society or the Food Bank of East Alabama, which are organizations Gaines supported.