Eric D. Giles, 77, a longtime resident of Florence, AL and former newspaper publisher, was reunited with his beloved wife and brothers in arms on September 18, 2024. He was born October 20, 1946, in Bristol, TN and was the son of the late Herman Hascal Giles and Ruth Miller Giles. Eric played linebacker for the Tennessee High School Vikings and after graduating in 1965, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy where he was on the Apollo 13 recovery team. He earned numerous medals for outstanding service to his country during Vietnam. Once his service was complete, Eric worked for Worrell News Incorporated where he travelled across the country consulting on newspapers owned by WNI, the final one being the Times Daily of Florence, AL. Eric found his home in Florence and opened The Budget Print Center on Florence Blvd.
Eric was a printer by trade and owned and operated Budget Print Center in Florence for two decades. He continued his trade with The Quickprint Shop and Herald Printing. A master at his craft, Eric’s expertise was pursued by many, and his mentorship impacted several others in the field. His other passion was coaching youth football in the Florence area. Coach Eric received numerous accolades from the area’s parks and from his young players.
Passionate about Tennessee football, Eric could always be seen wearing Volunteer Orange and carrying his trusted Tennessee Volunteer helmet bag. He got a kick out of wearing orange in Alabama Roll Tide country.
In addition to his parents, Eric was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 26 years, Gale T. Giles.
Survivors include his children Stacey Downing and husband Jeff of Soddy Daisy, TN; Clay Giles and wife Teresa of Bristol, TN; Ben Williamson of Hixson, TN; four grandchildren, Sarah and Taylor Williamson of Hixson, TN; Grant Giles of Chattanooga, TN and Savannah Giles of Bristol, TN; three bonus grandchildren, Lucy Downing of Tuscaloosa, AL and Bennett and Sara Downing of Soddy Daisy, TN. Eric also leaves his cherished longtime companion, Diane Wright and her children Briggs, William and Elizabeth of Sheffield, AL; sisters Kay Hover of Bristol, TN; Amanda Giles McGrady of Washington, D.C.; nieces Glynnis Hover of San Antonio, TX; Haley Stephens Scalf of Knoxville, TN and Emily Stephens of Chattanooga, TN.
Visitation will be Friday, September 20 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home in Florence, AL. A graveside service will be Monday, September 23 – 1:00 pm at Glennwood Shelby Hills Cemetery in Bristol, Tennessee.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at North Alabama Medical Center Critical Care Unit for their empathy and guidance throughout the care of our precious Eric.
