William Elliott “Bill” Stiles, Sr.
Posted By Kyle Nikola On August 2, 2022 @ 1:32 pm In Obituaries | 12 Comments
William Elliott “Bill” Stiles, Sr., age 75, passed on July 31, 2022, at his home under the care of Hospice Savannah, Inc., and his family.
Bill was born in Savannah, Georgia on July 2, 1947, to the late John R. Stiles, Jr., and Thelma Williamson Stiles.
A 1965 graduate of Sol C. Johnson High School, Bill attended Hampton Institute (University) in Hampton, VA and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.
After graduation, he worked at Seagram’s Distillery Company near Baltimore, MD. and later served in the U.S. Army.
Bill was a businessman and contractor in Savannah for many years. He and his wife, Connell, owned and operated Stiles for Living, Inc., a retail gift shop, which also specialized in interior designs and custom-made furniture.
Most recently, Bill served as Executive Director of Old Savannah City Mission until his retirement in 2020.
Bill grew up attending First Congregational Church where he was a member for many years. He later joined The Sanctuary of Savannah where he and his family were very warmly received. Bill served on the Church Board of Directors.
He loved the Lord and had a personal relationship with Him. This relationship was evident by how he cherished his family and how he served Christ through the ministry of Old Savannah City Mission.
Bill was a member of several civic and social organizations including The Alpha Lambda Boulé, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and The Wolves.
Bill liked to say that he was the proud son of a “chicken” farmer. Indeed, he was. He grew up on a working farm in the Sandfly area surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Early in his life he learned the virtues of hard work, dedication and most of all – humility.
He married his college sweetheart and was especially proud of his three sons. He adored his grands.
Bill was a highly skilled and creative craftsman who could build whatever he could imagine. He was equally big hearted and had the gentlest of souls. His humor and wit will live on in the memories of all who knew him.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Connell Johnson Stiles; three sons, William Elliott (Amber) Stiles, Jr., Byron Adams (Kay) Stiles, and Jordan Winston Stiles; three siblings, John R. (Janet Maurita) Stiles, III, Alice Stiles (Michael) Backus, and Wonza Andrea Stiles (Stacey) Russell; Seven grandchildren, London Millie Stiles, Blake Elizabeth Stiles, Ryan Madison Stiles, Liam Elliott Stiles, Aliya Joy Foster, Ava Kamille Foster, and Alijah Cassius Foster; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and many friends. Bill was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
The Visitation and Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at The Sanctuary – 8912 Whitefield Ave., Savannah, GA 31406. The Visitation will start at 5 p.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 6 p.m. Masks will be available.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that remembrances be made to Old Savannah City Mission – PO BOX 16839, Savannah, GA 31416.
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Condolences for the family of “William Elliott “Bill” Stiles, Sr.”
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Stiles family. I have had a loving friendship with Bill & Connell for 50+ years from when we first met on the campus of Hampton Institute. I will never forget the surprise, lavish 1st wedding anniversary celebration they hosted for me & my husband at their lovely home in Savannah in 1976. Talk about lasting memories, in conjunction with savoring one of Bill’s favorite meals: pig feet & lima beans, prepared by Connell, especially the way he liked it. As a humble, yet savvy entrepreneur and craftsman, his trademark was his amazing dedication to this family & work. In my view, Bill has been a good & faithful servant. Job well done. Rest now, my friend, in Eternal Peace.
Peace, Love & Light
I wish to extend my sincerest sympathies and prayers to the entire Stiles family. My friendship with Connell and Bill began at Hampton Institute (University) .I have admired the longevity of their wonderful life together while raising a loving family. I will mourn Bill’s absence from our physical world and celebrate his eternity in Heaven. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
Although Bill was known to be a quiet man, I believe he’s shouting today in Heaven. I’m thankful that I was fortunate enough to have known him at the Old Savannah Mission and The Sanctuary. Our prayers are with the family as you miss him. Take comfort in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior and will not suffer anymore. May God continue to bless and keep all of you until we join Bill, once again.
David and Cheryl Smith
Bill, though you and I never met, I know you are surrounded by love from your family and friends.
May your life of service and contributions be always cherished.
Rest now, you have earned it.
I’m sorry for the death of Bill, whom I had the pleasure of knowing and hanging out with when I lived in Savannah. Connell, I will be praying for peace and understanding for you and your family.
To the Stiles Families,
My heart is with you. May your memories, friends & family give you peace & ease.
As a childhood friend of one of Bill’s younger cousins, I often saw him with his dad on their “magical” chicken farm enclosed by bamboo. What a uniquely talented family!
Thinking of each of you. Peace & blessings.
Sheila Smith
(Grand daughter: Arthur & Effie Griffin)
Dearest Connell and family, I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Stiles. You both were wonderful bosses but much more than that to me. I know he will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Helen Carellas
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
We will truly miss Mr. Stiles smiling face and jovial spirit. When he walked into our branch, he always had a smile and an interesting joke. I’m sure that he is still smiling and making jokes in Heaven. My condolences to Mrs. Stiles and the family. “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.”
Dear Connell & Family,
I want all of you to know that your loved one, Bill was held in high esteem. I can never thank him enough for making the journey to Richmond, VA for my 20th Pastoral Anniversary. Bill and “the Boys” made the occasion a memorable one. Mary and I will always have fond memories of the Stiles family.
Some friends play at friendship, but a true sticks closer than a brother. (Prov. 18:24)
My deepest sympathies goes out to the Stiles Family in this time of sorrow. Bill, I will always remember you when I sing; “Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees” I can still hear you in the chorus saying: “On Our Knees” Rest in Peace.
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Neal, Alice & Family we send our deepest sympathy and condolences. So very sorry to hear about Bill’s transition! May all find comfort in loving memories & peace from the faith that lives within your heart! Gayle Simmons (Hampton Institute classmate) & Family, Jamestown, NC. Exodus 33:14 “My presence will go with you & I will give you rest.”