William Joseph Gainer, Sr. Age 86 passed away Thursday, November 3, 2016 Lakeland, Florida. He was born February 9, 1930 in Montrose, West Virginia. William married Effie Jane Pennington on July 3, 1949 in Red House, Maryland. They were happily married for 67 years. He was a veteran serving as a Private First Class, Regular Army Ceremonial Company 3d Infantry in Fort Myer, Virginia. He was also member of the No. 1 Guard Post at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He received Honorable Discharge on January 20, 1950. Also, a member of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He was a member of The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio. A Thirty Second degree member of the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Akron, Ohio. He is survived by his spouse Effie Jane Gainer of Lakeland, Florida. Daughter Deborah & (Steve) Hughes, and son William & (Linda) Gainer, Jr of Lakeland, Florida. His sister Barbara Whetsell of Elkins West Virginia, and Edward Gainer of Akron, Ohio. Grandchildren Michael Steiner, Christine & (Owen) Parry, Liam Gainer, Ryan & (Jacquie) Hughes, and Brent Hughes. Great-grandchildren Nolan and Trevor Parry. Caleb, Tobin, Micaiah, Cyrus, Talia, Mara, and Phineas Hughes. William is preceded in death by parents Kenneth and Elva Gainer, and brother Harold Gainer, and grandson Michael Steiner. He is a member of First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, Florida. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 1 pm at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home, 3350 Mall Hill Drive Lakeland, FL 33810.