Raymond L. Gaines, a longtime Seminole County educator and community activist, died June 12 at home in Tallahassee. Mr. Gaines retired after 40 years with the Seminole County Public School System, where he served as a coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal and county’s executive director of secondary education.

After graduating from Florida A&M University, he began his teaching career in Sanford and retired in 2007. During his career, he was assistant principal at Seminole and Lake Howell high schools, and a principal at Lake Mary High School.

After a brief illness, Mr. Gaines and his family moved to his hometown in Tallahassee in May.

During his years in Sanford and Seminole County, he was affiliated with many organizations where he helped to mold the lives of many youth. A man of dignity and always wearing a smile, he will truly be missed in the Sanford community. Mr. Gaines was an ardent, dedicated deacon and chairman of the deacon board, member of the Sanctuary Choir, Sunday school teacher, Bible scholar and church leader at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

He served as president of the Seminole County FAMU Alumni Association.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, another retired educator: two sons, Raymond Jr. and his wife, Monique, and Kyle; three brothers, Arron Jr., Deric and Eric, and sister, Kenyette.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church, 840 W. Dunn St., Tallahassee. Strong and Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.