George E. Hiles Jr.

George E. Hiles Jr. passed away peacefully at home on February 20th, 2026, with all his family by his side after an 11-month journey with esophageal cancer. George fought with strength, dignity, and grace until the end of his life here on earth.

Born on June, 11th 1942, in Lucasville, OH, at the home of Ray Rogers. He moved to Columbus, attending Mifflin High School, graduating in 1961. He met the love of his life, Wanda McGlone, in school and got married on October, 18th 1963. They have been inseparable ever since. He was active in Cub Scouts, football, and track lettering in all three, earning many awards and achievements. He also participated in all the club pictures in the yearbook, but we later found out he was not an active member (only our George).

George was the fundraising chairman for the Gahanna Relays for over ten years. The 1980 Gahanna Relays were dedicated to George, who ran in the first Gahanna Relays for Mifflin in 1960. He was a member of Good Samaritan Reformed Church, serving as a Deacon and also a member of the Aladdin Shriners for many years.

George and Wanda moved to Gahanna in 1971, raising their two beautiful daughters, Angela and Alicia. He started his career in insurance, working for All-State and later opening the first Erie Insurance Agency in Ohio. He later sold the business to start Ohio Agency Financial Services as a financial planner. George was a lifelong Ohio State Buckeyes fan, selling his treasures at many shows. It was at these shows that he met many lifelong friends. His collection was often described as unique and exceptional. George had Buckeye garage sales at his home. He had these sales so he could see his favorite Buckeye buddies.

George is preceded in death by his loving parents, George and Phyllis Hiles, mother and father-in-law, Roma and Melvin Kitchen, and beloved grandson Nicholas George Williams.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Wanda McGlone Hiles; daughters Angela Williams (Scott) and Alicia Boso (Jeff); 7 grandchildren, Logan Williams (Kiley), Karaline Brown (Hunter), Holden Williams, Samantha Williams, Joshua Boso, Shepard Williams, Anderson Boso; 1 great-grandchild, McCoy Williams; his brother Larry Hiles (Ruth); nieces and nephews Laura Hiles Warnick (Anthony), Larry Lee Hiles (Rose), and Jim Hiles (Jennifer); his loyal dog Belle; and many extended family and cherished friends.

Visitation will be held at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast, 1051 E Johnstown Road, Gahanna, Ohio, 43230, on February 27, 2026, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.

A procession will take place from the funeral home to Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens for George's funeral service and interment, departing from Schoedinger at 2:00pm.

The funeral service will take place in the Mausoleum Chapel at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5600 E Broad St, Columbus, Ohio, 43213, on February 27, 2026, beginning at 2:30pm.

A committal ceremony will be held the graveside following the funeral service, where George will be laid to rest.

George lived his life always being kind and giving, so we ask that you donate to your charity of choice in his honor. We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever. Go Bucks!