CHATHAM,

Harvey Edmund Giles, Jr. passed away at his home on Saturday, March 18, 2017. He was born on December 31, 1954. He was the son of the late Harvey E. Giles and Elizabeth M. “Chrissie” Giles. He has fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer since 2013. His life is an example of the true meaning of dignity and Christian faith. After his cancer diagnosis, he was the epitome of courage in the face of uncertainty, never complaining about his circumstance. He never questioned God’s plan for his life and always told his family and friends that he knew that prayers were what kept him going.

He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Patricia C. Giles. He is also survived by his son, Daniel Edmund Giles and his wife, April and his precious granddaughters, Taylor Elizabeth, Allison Grace, and Deanna Marie Giles; his step-son Brian Newby of Spring Valley, CA, his step-granddaughters, Marianna and Gabriela Newby; his step-daughter, Teresa Newby of Bakersfield, CA; his step-daughter, Cindy Mills and her husband, Robert, of Callands, VA, his step-grandsons (his buddies), Logan and Holden Mills. He is also survived by his sister, Agnes Giles Powell and her husband, Doug, his nephew, Kevin Powell and his wife, Crystal, and his great-nephew, Caden Powell and great-niece, Harper Powell.

He graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in 1973.

Edmund worked for the Virginia Department of Transportation for the next 38 years. His final position with VDOT was as Maintenance Manager at the Residency Office in Chatham. He then served as Chatham’s Town Manager for five years, until his resignation in December 2015 due to health reasons. He oversaw several projects in the town that made Chatham an even better place to live and work. During his career, he met many people with whom he developed lifelong friendships.

He was a life member of Chatham Rescue Squad and until his decline in health, was an active member of Chatham Volunteer Fire Department for more than 40 years. He held many offices, including department Chaplain. He was a member and past master of Pittsylvania Masonic Lodge #24, A.F. and A.M. and worked part-time for many years at Scott Funeral Home.

He was a lifelong member of Marion Baptist Church where he proudly served in many offices and other capacities. His focus for the church was to always make it a place that honored and served his God. Therefore, a visitation will be held at the church, located at 2669 Marion Road on Monday, March 20, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and a funeral service in celebration of his life will also be held at the church on Tuesday, March 21 at 2:00 p.m. with burial to be at Hillcrest Burial Park, Chatham, VA.

At other times the family will be at his home at 1060 Weal Road, Chatham. If you desire to honor him, the family respectfully requests that you make a contribution to Marion Baptist Church (designate building fund) or Chatham Volunteer Fire Department.

Scott Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for the Giles family.