Charles Lee Giles
Charles Lee Giles, 87, of Clinton passed away March 25, 2025, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.
He was born May 17, 1937, to Fred and Alberta Steele Giles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Robbins Giles; brothers, Jack Giles, Frank Giles, Wayne Giles and Troy Giles; and sisters, Betty Wilcox, Pat Perritt, Lucille Jones and Maxine Lowe.
He is survived by his daughter, Laura G. McAfee of Portland, Tennessee; sons, Charles Giles Jr. and James Giles, both of Clinton; and brother, Sam Giles, and sister-in-law, Bethea Giles, also of Clinton.
Charles loved sports, music, working outdoors and telling stories. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1956, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, and received a master’s degree in library science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
He served in the Army National Guard and went on to teach at Norris High School, Rule High School (Knoxville) and Whittle Springs Middle School (Knoxville). He also worked for the state of Tennessee as a library supervisor and later as a media center supervisor.
Charles was a librarian and soccer coach at Oak Ridge High School and spent many years with Anderson County Schools as a Chapter 1 reading coordinator before retiring in 1993. He later returned to education as a librarian at Norwood Elementary and Briceville Elementary.
He was a passionate advocate for education who loved books, learning and helping others grow through knowledge.
Above all, Charles was a devoted family man who took great pride in caring for his loved ones and his home. He will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Sinking Springs United Methodist Church.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is serving the family.
