Nathaniel Giles, Jr.

A Glimpse Into His Life On August 9, 1937 a king was born to the late James and Birdie Giles, who they named Nathaniel Giles, Jr. He was born in Emmett, Arkansas where his parents instilled strong family morals and the strong belief in God. As Junior grew into a young man he worked very hard to take care of his family. He worked in the pulp wood business along side of his brothers. Junior married young and had seven children. In 1968 Nathaniel separated and moved to Lansing, Michigan, where he became a faithful employee of General Motors. This job gave him the opportunity to retire early and still start his own business, Giles Properties, Inc. At Giles Properties he built and renovated housing duplexes and homes for low income families. During his off seasons, he traveled to Arkansas to check o his mother. Being a true entrepreneur he always returned to Lansing with loads of good and sweet Hope watermelons that he sold earning him the name “Mr. Watermelon Man”. He was well known and respected throughout Lansing. He was a fair and honest business man. In 1974 Nathaniel Giles married his loving wife Linda Faye Osborne and shared a long and loving union of 44 years. They were blessed with three children. His home was always open to anyone in need. He had a big place in his heart for foster children and after being a foster parent for years they adopted four children. Nathaniel “Junior” Giles was a dedicated family man. He made sure his family and children were close-knit. Junior was preceded in death by his parents, Birdie Anderson and James Giles; his brothers, Jessie Lee Williams, Willie Lee Giles, Henry Giles, James Giles, Johnnie Giles and Roosevelt Giles; sisters, Jody Giles and Marie Giles. Junior leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, best friend and soul mate Linda Faye Giles; his children, Susie (Lewis) Rodgers, Mae Lewis, Trish Giles, Linda (Rod) Snyder, Nate Giles Therssa Morales-Silvera, Paulette Bailey, Alex (Lynn) Osborne, Ramona Wells, Brita Osborne, Shyman Giles, Keisha Giles, Curtis Giles, Ireese Giles, Starlyn Goodall, Anthony Giles and Matthew Paris. He also leavers one sister Mary Beavers; three brothers, James Giles, Otis Giles, and Augusta (Barbara) Giles, as well as, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; a very special great-granddaughter who kept him smiling daily, A’necia Thomas, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. ... "Long Live King Junior"