Mark Thomas Gaines

Mark Thomas Gaines, 72, of Braselton, passed away at his home Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Mark was born on November 5, 1952, to Deane and Jane Gaines at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth Virginia.

Mark grew up in Atlanta and attended Oglethorpe University and the University of Georgia.

After leaving Athens in 1976, Mark took a job with Universal Pictures Distribution, starting a career that would last 40 years. From 1976 through 1990 Mark worked at various Universal offices throughout the South. Then in 1990 he relocated to Universal Studios Hollywood where he assumed various roles in management and culminated his career as Executive Vice President General Sales Manager, overseeing the distribution of all Universal titles throughout North America.

Along the way, Mark met Miss Blayne Becker of Santa Monica, California. Eventually, they would marry in 2002 and share 22 wonderful years together until Blayne’s passing in 2024. Never fortunate to have children of his own, Mark is survived by his brother Jack (Dana), his sister Deana (Charles), his nieces Audra, Madalyn, and Mackenzie, his nephew Ryan, and his grandnieces Avery and Kenley. Mark was predeceased by his parents, and by his brother Dale and Dale’s wife Louise.

Throughout their 30 years in Hollywood, Mark and Blayne established relationships with many influential, talented, and unique individuals. Their circle of friends included people from all walks of life and even some Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and Emmy winners. They also became involved with and contributed to numerous charitable foundations and tried to make a difference when possible.

Upon retirement in 2018, Mark and Blayne moved back to Georgia to be closer to family. They settled at Chateau Elan outside of Atlanta and enjoyed a slower paced lifestyle with many new and old friends.

Mark was an avid and accomplished golfer and was a long-time member of the Lakeside Golf Club in Burbank, California. He and Blayne enjoyed traveling, which often involved golf at famous and not so famous courses. Their last trip together was a cruise of the Mediterranean.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Chateau Elan Legends Golf Club from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on June 21, 2025.  It will be a casual affair where friends and family are encouraged to share stories about Mark. If planning to attend, RSVP by June 12, 2025, via text or by calling Dana Gaines at 678-665-7750. Please include the number and names of all in your party planning on attending. The Legends is in a gated community and can be accessed through the gate at 2525 Autumn Maple Dr., Braselton, GA, 30517.

Mark asked that any donation you wish to make in his name be to your favorite charity.

P.S. Mark wants Everyone to know, “It was a great life!”

Braselton Funeral Home, 5257 Hwy 53, Braselton, Georgia 30517 Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com