William C. Giles

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Childress Giles, age 91, on March 3, 2026 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. William was an only child born on November 8, 1934 in Goochland County Virginia to Thomas and Ida Lee (Childress) Giles. He attended school in South Boston, Virginia. Bill married Elma Christine Libdstrom on December 23, 1955. To this union two sons were born, William Tanner and Brian Dale Giles. Christine preceded him in death. Bill married Andrea Sue Johnson on September 1, 1988, in Chariton, Iowa. Included in Sue’s family were stepdaughter, Lisa Gayle Whitney and a stepson, James Lee Johnson. James preceded him in death. Bill served in the Virginia National Guard and in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in England. In profession, he was an electrician and served as President in District #14 of the United Mine Workers of America, he arbitrated many cases in the UMWA. After retirement, Bill served as a service officer and a transportation driver in the local chapter #7 of the DAV. Bill assisted veterans with their service claims and transported his fellow veterans to and from their appointments. He received an honor award for devoting over 10,000 volunteer hours of service to veterans from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. He also served as Oklahoma Department Commander for the Disabled American Veterans. He was a lifetime member of both the DAV and the VFW and supported their efforts. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Ida Giles; first wife, Christine Lindstrom; stepson, James Johnson; and a special friend, John Lloyd Milsap. He is survived by his spouse, Sue Johnson of the home; brother-in-law, John Evans; sons, Brian and Tanner Giles; and step-daughter, Lisa and her spouse Jim Whitney; grandchildren, Tanner Justin Giles, Christopher Brady Giles, Ashley Zaborowski; great-grandchildren, Brinley Zaborowski, and twins Baelyn and Beckette Zaborowski and Bella Zaborowski; step grandchildren, Alicia Lawrence, Lindsey Lawrence, and Jessie Jordan; great step-grandchildren, Aveon Slay, Harper and Oliver Lawrence, and Giovanni Jordan; and a very special friend of the family, Ross Fletcher. A family-conducted memorial service will be conducted on March 23, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery in Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma. Military honors will be presented. Flowers and online memorials may be sent to Cornerstone Funeral Home in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Donations should be made to DAV in his honor. Many thanks to the various doctors and nurses and to the staff at Complete Hospice Care of Oklahoma, and staff at Pleasant Valley Healthcare Center for all of the kind and tender care and love he received. A special thanks to his dear friend, roommate, and fellow veteran Mr. George Martin, for being his friend and helping to watch over our loved one in his final days. We are forever thankful. Thank you to Carolyn Sue Bray for the photo of Bill.

William C. Giles

November 8, 1934 - March 3, 2026