Obituary of Thomas Giles, Jr

Mr. Thomas Giles Jr, 79 of Rock Hill, SC, unexpectedly passed away on April 8, 2023 while visiting family in Kingsport, TN.

Tom, as he was known by his family and friends was born in Zeigler, IL on April 9, 1943 to the late Thomas and Helen Giles. He was of the Catholic faith and was an active member of “The Knights of Columbus,” where he previously served as Grand Knight.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Doris Ann Filkins, and his grandson Nathaniel Thomas Pike.

Tom, is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marguerite (Rita) Miller Giles, his daughter Margaret (Shelly) Krepps her husband David Krepps, three grandchildren Mitchell Pike (McKenzie), Kathryn Pike (Steven), and Sam Pike, two great grandchildren Sawyer and Cora Pike. His sister Sarah Gatus, and brother Arthur Giles (Sylvia), his sister-in-law Mary Ann Kiser, and the late Ralph Kiser, Barbara Gwinn and husband Rod, Bobbie Miller and the late Mitchell Miller Jr., 7 nieces and nephews and 3 great-nieces and nephews.

Mr. Giles was a graduate of Zeigler High School and attended South West Community College, he also served in the US Navy from 1962-1970 where he was a hospital corpsman E5 on the USS Forrestal, after serving on the USS Forrestal he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC as a hospital corpsman/laboratory technician.  Tom worked the majority of his life in fast food management, where he loved working with the people and never met a stranger; he had a fantastic sense of humor and never missed the opportunity to tell a joke. Through the years he loved visiting and spending time with family, he loved the Navy and his country and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

A memorial service for Mr. Giles will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans by visiting their website: secure.dav.org.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport TN and Greene’s Funeral Home in Rock Hill, SC is assisting the family.