Giles Roy Boggs, born on June 11, 1940, in Pound, Virginia, was the firstborn child of Burnis Boggs and Oakie Cantrell Boggs. Giles returned to the presence of the Lord on October 3, 2023, in Johnson City, Tennessee, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Giles joined the United States Army and served two years for his country, receiving the highest available security clearance and providing transportation for Colonial Lansing in Illinois and the motor pool in Germany during the Vietnam War.
Giles married his first wife, Ruby Taylor, in 1964, and gained a son, Robbie Taylor. Giles and Ruby were married until her passing in 1978.
Giles married his soulmate, Candus Sizemore, on July 14, 1979, and would remain devoted to his “Candy Darlin” over the next four decades until his last breath. During their marriage, they enjoyed attending church, singing gospel music, traveling, working in the garden, and spending time with their family.
Giles was a Christian man—devoted, humble, prayerful, and generous—in every aspect of his life. He served as a deacon, teacher, and Sunday school superintendent at Pine Chapel Freewill Baptist Church for many years. He worked for Paramont Coal Company for 25 years before retiring and moving to Tennessee where he continued to be an avid bass fisherman while helping raise his granddaughter. Giles served as a deacon and song leader at East Ridge Missionary Baptist Church and remained active in music ministry at Swann’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. When asked what he was most proud of, Giles always replied with his relationship with the Lord and his family. Giles was a playful, loving, and kind husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son. He will be deeply grieved and exuberantly celebrated by many.
Giles was preceded in death by his father, Burnis Boggs; mother, Oakie Cantrell Boggs; first wife, Ruby Taylor; sister, Hazel Marie Boggs; brother, Gary Boggs; daughter-in-law, Wilma Taylor; sisters-in-law, Audrey Baker, Lee Griffin, Lillie Boggs, and Dorothy Boggs; and brothers-in-law Kenny Baker, William Griffin, and Denny Sexton.
Those left to remember him on earth are his dearly cherished wife, Candus; son, Robbie Taylor; grandchildren: Robbie Dwayne Taylor (Heather Taylor), Allison Taylor Martin (Bradley Martin), and Alicia Taylor Carter (Jay Carter); great-grandchildren: Alivia Carter, Isaiah McCall, Jase Akers, Alexa Akers, Emilee Taylor, and Alexus Rose; and siblings: Edward James “Cadillac” Boggs, Bill Boggs (Gail Boggs), Geneva Sexton, Jerry Boggs, Julie Sexton (Jack Sexton), Larry Boggs (Linda Boggs), Kim Boggs (Fayetta Boggs), Norma Stallard (Zane Stallard), Scotty Boggs (Lisa Boggs), and Vickie Boggs; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and loved-ones.
We know by the fruits of his life that Giles has been welcomed into the arms of the Savior and that he will be patiently waiting for us when it’s our time to join him. Our hearts will grieve while we wait to see him again, yet we rejoice knowing Giles is in the presence of his Heavenly Father. To know Giles was to love him and his kind, playful, humble spirit. We feel honored to be among those who will carry his love and memory in our hearts.
The family will receive friends Monday, October 9, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Monte Vista Funeral Home. Funeral Service will follow at 7:00 PM with Pastor Tommy Shell officiating. Committal Service and Interment will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the Mountain Home National Cemetery historic section with military honors to be rendered by members of the American Legion Post 3/265 Honor Guard and members of the Army National Guard. Pallbearers will be family and friends.
Arrangements for Mr. Giles Roy Boggs and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
