After a very long and happy life, Mike Giles succumbed to cancer on May 9, 2016. Mike, son of the late Elizabeth and Howard Giles, was born in Quitman, GA, on May 11, 1923. He is survived by Gayle, his wife of 41 years; his son, Michael Howard Giles; his daughter Cheryl Swann and son-in- law Gus Joels; granddaughter Ashley Swann; grandson Chase Giles; great grandson West Minor; and sister Betty Weeks.

Mike spent much of his life in Birmingham, AL, where he attended Phillips High School before joining the Marine Corps in 1942. He served his country honorably and bravely as a Marine Raider and was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. After returning to the States, he trained war dogs at Camp Lejeune, NC. Until his death, Mike had the distinct honor of being the oldest living Marine in North Georgia.

After his separation from the Marines, Mike attended Birmingham Southern College. He then began his career as Sales Manager for O. Z. Hall Ford Dealership in Birmingham and later worked as General Sales Manager for Ford Corner in Terra Haute, IN. In the sixties, he moved to Atlanta where he founded and was president of Pink Pages, Inc., a sectional advertising directory. For many years, he was also a successful real estate investor.

Shortly after his retirement, Mike and Gayle moved to Big Canoe as full-time residents in 1985. Mike was very grateful to have so many joyful years in this beautiful and caring place, enjoying both the natural habitat and its warm and friendly atmosphere. After some years into retirement and being the fun-loving person he was, and always an entrepreneur, Mike decided to provide a pontoon boat rental service on Lake Petit. Always a jokester, Mike and those who rented from him enjoyed many laughs and stories. His is still known to many as Capt. Nemo!

Mike will be greatly missed by his family and friends, his Crossroads hospice team and care-givers at Brookdale, and by all who enjoyed his fun-loving spirit.

A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at Big Canoe Chapel at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, officiated by the Reverends Lamar Helms and Len Walker. A reception will follow the celebration. After the memorial service and reception, there will be a private interment at the National Cemetery in Canton, GA, with full military honors.

All remembrances and donations may be made to Big Canoe Chapel or to Big Canoe Animal Rescue in memory of Rambo, Peaches, Judy, and all of Mike's other beloved pets who shared his life at Big Canoe.