Obituary of Charles Giles

Deacon Charles Giles December 22, 1925 - February 3, 2012 Charles Giles, affectionately known as Dad, Pop-Pop and Little Pop-Pop to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was born December 22, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the middle child of Robert and Janie Giles. Charles was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. Upon graduating from high school he served in the U.S. Navy and fought in World War II. He became a professional boxer, a contending flyweight who retired at the age of 25. A man with great work ethic, he worked at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard until it closed then worked at the U.S. Mint until he retired. After retirement, he went into business for himself doing landscaping during the spring, summer and fall and cleaning rugs during the winter for both residential and business customers in the tri-state area. As a newlywed, Charles joined Redeem Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he served under many Pastors. Affectionately known as "Deacon Giles" or "My Deacon Giles" he served as Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School and Chairman of both Deacon and Trustee Boards. Many of those years he was the only Deacon. He also sang on the Senior Choir. Prior to relocating to New Jersey in 2003 Charles was bestowed the title of "Deacon Emeritus" of Redeem Baptist Church. Deacon Giles gave tirelessly of himself to all he came in contact with never denying his family or close friends anything. In the West Oak Lane neighborhood, where he lived almost forty years, he made and fixed bicycles for every child that asked. He served as Block Captain, making sure his block and driveway behind the block was clean year round; most times cleaning them himself. While his wife, Alice and son, Gregory worked the election polls in their district, Charles spent the day picking up voters bringing them to vote and taking them home. A dedicated and much loved husband, father and grandfather, Charles never missed an opportunity to guide, teach, nurture and love his family. Family, friends and neighbors looked forward to his signature Labor Day Cookouts where nobody could replace him on the grill. He loved to laugh, eat and dance. He was truly, by all accounts an upstanding man. In 2007 God lead Charles, his wife, Alice and daughter, Ellen to Alpha Baptist Church under the loving leadership of Pastor Danny Scotton and the Alpha Family. He was showered with love, embraced and supported every step of the way as Alzheimer's ravaged his mind and well-being. The love and kindness from Pastor Scotton and the Alpha Family eased Charles' transition from earth to Glory! On February 3, 2012, God called his Faithful Servant Home to be in His presence! As Charles was singing his favorite hymn, "I'll Be Alright," the Angels swooped down and escorted him to that mansion Jesus had prepared for him. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Janie Giles, and four siblings: Sam (Vivian), Bessie (Robert), Robert, Jr. (Cindy Lou) and Katherine (Eddie). A loving, generous and caring Christian man Charles is survived by his wife Alice nee Jenkins, son Gregory (Wanda), daughter Ellen (George, Sr.), three grandchildren, George, Jr (Gina), Kescha (William) and Neoshie and two great grandchildren, Kyra and Kaleb. He also leaves to mourn a sister-in-law, Vivian, nieces, nephews, and a host of great-nieces and nephews in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida.