George Giles

George David Giles

July 25, 1939 - April 30, 2025

With full hearts and loving memories, we announce the passing of George David Giles, age 85, who peacefully departed this life on April 30, 2025.

George was born in Heber City, Utah, to Therma Mae Ball and Ray Giles. He was raised on a dairy farm alongside his four siblings. From an early age, George embraced the values of hard work, humility, and compassion-traits that defined his entire life. He was compassionate and had a life full of service to others.

George attended school in Heber City, where he quickly became known for the sass and mischief that would become part of his legendary charm. In fact, he had to repeat his first year of school after it was discovered he had been skipping class to hide under a bridge and read comic books-only to return home at the end of the day pretending he had attended school and learned all he needed to know about reading, writing and arithmetic. That spirit of adventure and independence remained constant throughout his life.

Shortly after enlisting in the Utah National Guard, George left Heber at the age of 19 to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Entre Ríos, Argentina. It was there that he met the love of his life, Nelida Zanotta. Following a courtship through letters, they were married on August 10, 1964.

Upon returning home from his mission, George completed his military service in the U.S. Air Force, where he trained and worked as an electrician. He and Nelida eventually settled in Cedar City, Utah, where they built a life and raised their five beautiful daughters. George served his community faithfully through his work with the U.S. Postal Service for nearly 28 years.

In 1995, George relocated to St. George, Utah, where he co-owned a laundromat alongside Nelida and their daughter Shellie. At this time George also began working at Lin's Grocery Store, where he remained a valued employee and friend for over 20 years. During his years working at Lin's Grocery Store, George became a fixture in the community. Many customers knew him not just as a friendly face but as a true friend-someone who would step in without hesitation to help those struggling to pay for their groceries. His generosity was quiet but constant, leaving an impact that will not be forgotten.

George lived life with a generous heart, a mischievous smile, and a deep love for people. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back, and his countless quiet acts of service were a testament to his faith and character.

George lived fully and generously. A man of many interests, he once played ball with the Harlem Globetrotters, a memory he held with great pride. He loved hiking, taking long walks, solving crossword puzzles, and, most of all, finding ways to serve others. George was known for his kindness, selflessness, and deep love for people. He always looked for quiet ways to lift those around him.

George is preceded in death by his parents, Therma Mae Ball and Ray Giles; siblings Gary Giles and Ruth Lou Ann Johnson; and son-in-law Silas Earl Smith.

He is survived by his siblings Kaye Swena and Mary Nelson; his five daughters: Nellie Gaye Giles, Marcia Kay Smith, Cindy (Todd) Davis, Shellie (Rod) Cox, and Mary Giles; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

George's legacy is one of service, humor, faith, and unwavering love for his family. He will be missed deeply but remembered with gratitude and joy by all who knew him.

A celebration of George's life will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025. At 1 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary in St. George Utah. A viewing will be held the same day from 12-1 p.m. At the same location. Interment will be at the Ivins City Cemetery at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor George's memory by performing an act of kindness in his name.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to sign George's online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com