James Liles

James Edward Liles, 77, of Statesville, passed away on Thursday morning, September 15, 2011, at Gordon Hospice House after an extended illness, surrounded by family. Mr. Liles was born on August 8, 1934 in Montgomery County and was the son of the late Charlie Liles and Emma Gardner Liles of Mt. Gilead, NC. He attended Montgomery County Schools and served in the U.S. Army from 1954 - 1956 in Germany. James was married on September 28, 1957 to Margie Lunsford Liles in York, SC. Prior to his retirement, James was employed as a truck driver for 47 years. He was an active member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church. He enjoyed working in his yard, spending time with his grandchildren and going to their ballgames. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. Mr. Liles is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margie Lunsford Liles of the home; three sons, Eddie Liles (Shelda), Marty Liles (Kelly) and Jamie Liles, all of Statesville; one daughter, Susie Liles of Statesville; six grandchildren, Casey, Madison, Savannah, Drake, London and Logan Liles, all of Statesville. He is further survived by two step-grandchildren, Ashley and Benjamin Jenkins of Statesville; one brother, Robert Liles (Cindy) of Troy, NC; one sister, Helen Haywood of Mt. Gilead, NC and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 pm Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Diamond Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Holleman and Rev. Carl Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery with full military rites. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Diamond Hill Baptist Church and will be assembled at other times at the home. Pallbearers will be Edgar Hudson, Carroll Galliher, James Orbison, Jimmy Harris, Mickey Blake and Freddie Pierce. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Diamond Hill Baptist Church or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.