Wiley Everette Gainus, 85, of Mill Spring, passed away Wednesday morning, November 14, 2012 at Autumn Care of Saluda, N.C.

Born in Goldsboro, N.C., he was the son of the late Wiley Everette and Emily Gainus.  He was a veteran of WWII having served in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Gainus moved to Polk County in 1990 coming from Winter Haven, Fla. He started the Lapidary Class at Tryon Arts and Crafts and was an instructor for approximately 10 years and was president of the Silver Creek Community. Mr. Gainus was a member of the Congregational Church of Christ, Tryon, NC.

Surviving is his wife, Irene Stolte Gainus; three daughters, Sally Maurer of Skokie, Ill., Diane Dawson of Winter Haven, Fla. and Jane Wittner (Steve) of Scottsdale, Ariz. Also surviving are four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. December 1, 2012 in the Congregational Church of Christ, Tryon, N.C. with Dr. Robert Barrows officiating. Memorials may be made to the Congregational Church of Christ, 210 Melrose Avenue, Tryon, N.C. 28782. An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com