Robert “Ivy” Gaines Obituary

Born at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Ivy’s journey began with an eight-month stay in the NICU before he transferred to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC, for another four months. He left Philly, but Philly never left him. He embodied the grit and sass of the city he was born in. Throughout a lifetime of medical complexities, surgeries, and chronic illness, Ivy redefined toughness. His strength was humble, steadfast and not hardened to bitterness.

Ivy was dependent on community. In turn, he made his “disability” a gift to others—a gift of bringing people together and setting a different standard of success. One that seemed burdensome and inaccessible, but was good, true, and beautiful. To make a way for Ivy meant the belonging and flourishing of people of all abilities. Our best was required, and somehow Ivy was able to help us through as we helped him. He possessed a unique ability to ground his family and caregivers, teaching everyone who crossed his path that true strength is found in a gentle spirit.

Ivy was loyal to his favorite things in life. A good board book or crunchy book was always being paged through. His room lit with the colors of his night light. He was a constant presence at church, finding his favorite thing to be communion. As folks would walk past him to partake, he would fill the solemn moment with laughter. His favorite was undoubtedly the rush of going around round abouts in Shelby during a car ride and spending time with his brothers, mom, and dad. He was loved, and he loved us.

He is survived by his parents, Robbie and Brittney Gaines; his brothers, Silas and Abel; his grandparents, Frank and Anita Horn, Bob Gaines, and Linda Gaines; and great-grandparents, Gerald and Juanita Wright, and Carolyn Horn. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Victoria and Jay Seagle, Megan and Ryan Whitfield, and Brian and Julie Bullock; as well as his cousins: Waylon and John Warren, Elisha, Micah, Hannah, Cody, Alexa, Kylie, Emily, Gracie, Tillie, and Blake. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Steve Bullock. He is also preceded in death by his great-grandparents: Bob Horn, Robert and Ruby Gaines, and Ron and Olga Smith.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory.

A funeral service honoring Ivy’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Hope Community Church in Shelby, with Pastors Skip Allen, Allen Jessee, Chandler Young and Jeremy Peeler offering words of encouragement.

A committal service will immediately follow at Zion Baptist Church, with Pastor Jeff Marburger officiating.

The family wishes to thank the church families of Highlands Fellowship, Hope Community Church, and Zion Baptist Church, the medical teams at CHOP and Levine Children’s Hospital, and the many specialists and therapists who cared for him.

Donations to Ward’s Foundation or UnLocked Inc.

Ward’s Foundation empowers families to manage the emotional and practical challenges that arise after a child is diagnosed with a rare disease. 

Ward’s Foundation: 2820 Selwyn Ave Suite 130, Box 824 Charlotte, NC 28209

Unlocked exists to improve the quality of life and maximize the potential of children with disabilities in and around Charlotte, NC.  Our mission is to ease the financial burden of families raising children with disabilities by funding adaptive or medical equipment necessary to increase their mobility, gain independence, and promote physical, social, and emotional development.

PO Box 78361, Charlotte, NC 28271

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

The family is in the care of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory.