Obituaries - Nov. 11, 2009 - Rev. Albert Giles, Jr.
The Rev. Albert L. Giles Jr., 79, died Oct. 18. The Rev. Louis Shockley officiated at his funeral Oct. 22 at Asbury UMC. The Rev. James S. Gadsden, retired district superintendent of the Greenwood District (S.C.) officiated at a service Oct. 24. He was interred in the Wesley-Mt. Zion Cemetery in Salters, S.C.
The ministry was a second career for Giles. He served one church after his ordination in 1988: Asbury UMC in Brandywine. He remained there until his retirement in 2000. He then returned to his home church, Asbury UMC in Washington, where he served on its official board.
After graduating from high school in 1951, Giles joined the US Army, for two years, spending 18 months in Germany. He held Bachelor's degrees in biology and law and a Master's degree in public administration, as well as a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Divinity from Howard University.
He spent 31 years working as a researcher with the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, and co-authored 10 publications on various research topics.
Giles won awards for public speaking, dramatics and leadership. He was past president of the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and past president of the Claflin College National Alumni Association.
He and Lillie Giles were married in 1973. He died one month before their 36th wedding anniversary.
Survivors include his wife, a brother, a nephew and niece and several grand-nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be sent to Lillie Giles, 2012 Edgewater Parkway, Silver Spring, MD 20903.
Memorial gifts may be made to Asbury UMC, 926 Eleventh St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001.
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