Mr. J C Giles

March 10, 1924 - December 30, 2021

Mr. Joseph Columbus Giles, age 97, of Shelbyville passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital in Shelbyville. He was born to the late Hardy Hawkins Giles and Mary Alice Crafton Giles. J.C. attended the Bethesda School. He loved watching the Atlanta Braves, especially this year’s World Series. In his younger years, he loved working in his garden. J.C. entered into his military service in the Army Air Corp in January of 1943. He served until December of 1945. He landed on Normandy Beach. He fought in northern France and central Europe. He was in Germany when the war ended. He did carpentry work and was in transportation of supplies and troops. He stayed in close contact with his Army “buddies” and continued to visit with them at reunions every year. J.C. was first and foremost a husband and father. He shared a life with his wife, Helen Giles, for seventy years. Together, they raised four children. J.C. was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was also a fifty year mason of the Masonic Lodge. J.C. and Helen were founding charter members of Cannon United Methodist Church. At various times, he served as an administrative council member and, as usual, was available when needed. J.C. was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Giles, daughter, Annette Grossberg, brothers; William Meredeth Giles, Leonard Hardy Giles, Howard Nicolas Giles, Ross Shirley Giles, Raymond Douglas Giles, James Herbert Giles, sisters; Mary Irene Giles Eley Moss Nash, Sophia Rebecca Giles, and Alma Elizabeth Giles Glenn Burch. He is survived by a son, Jack Giles, (Barbara) of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughters, Reita Vaughn, (Jimmy), and Mary Jo Lukas, (Karel), of Franklin. He is also survived by a brother, Charles Earl Giles, of Bethesda. J.C. was dearly loved by his grandchildren; Mallory Gentry, Tara Lukas, Christopher Muehlhauser, David Muehlhauser, Jennifer Trujillo, and ten great grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Sunday, January 2nd, at 2:00 at Hillcrest Cemetery. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.