Maxwell James Gainer, 88, a 50 year resident of Hollin Hall in Alexandria, VA, passed away at his son’s home on February 26, 2012, after a short illness.

Born in Clarksburg, WV, he served as a WWII P-38 fighter pilot in the US Army Air Corps in South East Asia.

Professionally he was an optician in both Bristol and Old Town Alexandria , VA. He also served as a docent and airplane restorer at the National Air and Space Museum. He was a well-known maker of wooden toys and will be remembered by many for his appearances at local craft fairs. He passed out his small cars and trucks as Halloween treats and as rewards for well-behaved children in local restaurants. An avid player of tennis, table tennis and pool, he won the Virginia Senior Olympics in pool on several occasions.

Mr. Gainer was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth LaVennia “Sue” Garman Gainer, his parents Fay Lora and Eva Byrd Cutright Gainer and a brother Richard Lee Gainer.

He is survived by a son James Gainer (Dee), a daughter Carol Anderson (Dale), granddaughters Beth Johnson (Darrell), Alicia Porter (Jeremy), Lindsay Gainer, Laurie Fravel (Wesley) and five great-grandchildren, all of northern Virginia.

Services and interment at Aldersgate United Methodist Church will be private. Donations may be made to the Alexandria Sunrise Optimist Club, Box 7123, Alexandria, VA 22307.

(Editor's Note: This obituary was submitted by Dee Gainer.)