Thomas Edward Giles

"Tommy" Giles was born December 15, 1936 in Hosston, Louisiana and peacefully departed this life May 17, 2023. He lived an amazing life between these dates The most important things in life to Tommy were his family, his friends (especially his beloved Class of '58) and constantly challenging himself to try something new.

After high school Tommy attended Texas A&M University, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1958. He accepted a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force where he served in Reno, Nevada until 1963. In 1959 he married the love of his life Rita Smith. Their family grew to include 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Throughout his career his work included traveling all over the world. He rose to Vice President of an international engineering construction firm in Houston. This job included becoming fluent in French as he was asked to move his family to Paris for 2 years. There he was inspired by Europe's beauty and began painting and sketching as a hobby. He has recently had his work on display at the art gallery at Texas A&M, and the Woodlands and Conroe art league showings.

Once his children had all completed college he was ready to begin even higher education. At the age of 55 his family watched him walk across the stage to receive his MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He went on to work on his doctoral studies in organization and management.

Tommy also loved to write. He began a Christmas newsletter to inspire co-workers to help with Toys For Tots. These stories became very popular and friends urged him to compile his short stories into a book. He published this gem titled, "Letters From The Heart".

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents Gladys Holly and Joseph Giles, baby brother Jerry and most recently his bride of 63 years Rita Smith. He is survived by his brother, Jimmy and wife Sammy Giles; sisters-in-law, Ann Smith Satterlee and Karen Smith Easton; his children, Keith Giles, Mark and Rhonda Giles, Karen and Trey Magee and Scott Giles; grandchildren, Robyn and Eric Landon, Mark and Noemi Giles, Grant and Morgan Giles, Forrest, Blake and Katherine Magee, Anna, Sarah, Mary and John Giles.

A special thanks to those friends that have been his band of brothers for almost 70 years -- The Class of '58. At their urging Tommy and Rita moved to College Station and loved the past few years surrounded by the most amazing and loyal classmates and their families.Truly a blessing.

A memorial mass for Thomas will be held Friday, June 2, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 603 Church Avenue, College Station, Texas 77840.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Ross Volunteers or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralchapel.com for the Giles family.