Wallace McDonald Giles Sr.

Wallace McDonald Giles, Sr. was born on March 5th, 1934, in Roseland, Virginia, to the late Nora and Robert Giles. He was remarkably 91 years old when he transitioned from this life to glory.

Wallace grew up with a spirit of generosity, humor, and resilience that would shape the man we know him to be today. He thrived in every place where he stepped foot. One of the most memorable accomplishments included when he played the position of Pitcher with the Historic Negro Baseball League on the team, “Massies Mills Giants.” Wallace relocated to New York in his early years to pursue a more meaningful profession. He began employment with Yankee Stadium.

However, ultimately, he chose to become a plumber; followed by working in the oil industry where he also specialized in boiler, furnace, and residential oil operations. He delivered oil to families in all five boroughs of New York City. He purchased Edgewood Oil and served as its President and Chief Executive for 20 years. Soon after selling Edgewood Oil, Wallace moved to Amherst, Virginia, and blessed the town by working as a parking attendant for over fourteen years at Amherst County High School. He built genuine friendships and bonds with teachers, students, school staff, and others who looked forward to his guidance and leadership. Wallace was given the perfect attendance award every school year until his retirement which led him to be featured in a multitude of publications like Lynchburg News & Advance. He was active with the Concerned Members of Oak Hill Baptist Church.

He loved the Lord and could easily articulate the intent and meaning behind scripture. His favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm. In his final days, he found comfort in listening to scripture being read aloud, often joining in by recalling passages from memory, and cherished moments of prayer with his family. Known for his love of the Blues, his 1972 Buick LaSabre and his selfless helping hand in plumbing, carpentry, gardening, and cars; Wallace’s legacy is truly one-of-a-kind. We can collectively agree that he touched so many lives, in so many ways. His level of kindness was infinite. His sharp tongue was unmatched and his insight and advice were invaluable. We experienced his jokes, his sayings, poems, and humiliation in horseshoe and cornhole. He loved westerns. His personal favorites were Gunsmoke and Death Valley Days. Wallace did not say goodbye, he just left.

Wallace is survived by his children - Ventris Gibson, Wallace Giles, Jr (Janice), and Crystal Hawkins. Grandchildren - Alexander Green (Katherine), Yulonda Giles (Sean), Stephen Giles II, Karyn Giles, Heather Gibson, Charles Gibson, Michael Jackson (Rebecca), Kayla Giles, Michael AKA “Mikey” Giles, and Jarred Smith. Great grandchildren – Mahki Contee, Cheyenne Green, Noah Green, Nathaniel Green, Stevie Giles III, Kadrian Sloan, Sage Giles, Kane Giles, Kalaia Giles, Emma Gibson, and Genesis Jackson. We extend our deepest gratitude and love to his special niece Helen Ann Penn, his grand-niece, Meshell Robinson, and his honorary granddaughters Dayna Holmes and Kaylah Anthony. We extend a heartfelt thank you to his Certified Nurse Assistant Haley Phelps who provided care to him during his entire Hospice Care period, and to Hospice Care of Virginia. He leaves behind a cherished legacy embraced by a host of other relatives and friends. Wallace was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruby Giles, Son - Stephen Giles (Patricia) and honorary son - Jeffrey. His siblings; Chestanna Vaughn, Viola Dillard, Maggie Ringer, Lucien Giles (Ophelia), Daisy Banks (Tommy), MaryHelen Smith (Emmett).

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the memories, lessons, and love he leaves behind. Wallace McDonald Giles will be remembered not only for how he lived, but for how deeply he loved.

A funeral service will be held 12 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Byrum-Parr Funeral Home. Viewing/visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.