Billy Joe Stiles

Billy Joe Stiles graduated to the church triumphant March 14, 2024. He was born in Franklin, North Carolina, June 28, 1932. He was one of seven children of Lake and Ethel Roberts Stiles. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mavis Dowdle Stiles; son Todd Stiles Gwen); granddaughters Laken and Loren Stiles; sibling Hazel Wilson. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Bill's education included degrees from Berry College, Western Carolina University and the University of Georgia. He was a gifted educator. His long teaching career in high school sciences included years in Rabun County High School and Rabun Gap Nacoochee School. His humor and unique teaching methods were a trademark of his classroom. He was selected star teacher five times and enjoyed other recognitions as a successful educator.

A special interest was native local flora. With high school botany students, Bill collected and preserved several hundred Rabun County specimens that are housed in the Louise Gallant Herbarium located on the Rabun Gap Nachoochee campus. Bill and Carol Gomez, a special friend and botanist, co-authored work that was published in Castanea, The Journal of the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society.

Bill was an active member of Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church serving as an elder, and adult and youth Sunday school teacher.

Visitation will be at Beck's Funeral Home March 15th , from 5-7. A memorial service will be Saturday, March 16, 2:00 p.m. at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church.

Memorial gifts may be made in Bill's memory to Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church Building Fund, PO Box 333, Rabun Gap, Georgia or Rabun Gap Nacoochee School scholarship fund 339 Nacoochee Drive, Rabun Gap 30568 with checks made payable to Rabun Gap Nacoochee School and Billy Joe Stiles Scholarship Fund on the memo line.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Billy Joe Stiles. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

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