Big in stature at 6'5", 260 pounds, and big in heart, Clarence "Big House" Gaines retired in 1993 as the second winningest coach in NCAA history and the winningest coach in Division II men's basketball history. Gaines coached Winston-Salem State through 47 seasons, securing 828 victories and 446 losses. Led by Earl "the Pearl" Monroe, Winston-Salem won 31 of 32 games in 1966-67 and became the first predominantly black school to win an NCAA basketball championship, in the College Division. Beyond the basketball court, Gaines was renowned for teaching hundreds of young men positive life-skills.

Died April 18, 2005