Niles moved to Gadsden in 1941 and graduated from Emma Sansom High School in 1949. In January 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He spent most of his service in Japan during the Korean War, but also spent time on the USS Rochester. He loved his time in the Navy.
Immediately after his discharge from the Navy, Niles enrolled in Alabama Polytechnic Institute and graduated in 1957. He was always proud to be an Auburn man. In Fall 1957, he met Helen Thompson, the love of his life, and they married in 1958. After graduation, he began his career at Republic Steel, where he would ultimately serve as the Manager of Operations for their Southeast District. He treasured the time he spent at Republic, and the lifelong friends he made there. During his career in Gadsden, he worked with many local charities and served on the Board of Directors for the State of Alabama AAA.
Niles is preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen. He is survived by his son, Jay and daughter-in-law Melanie; daughter, Jill; granddaughter, Dailey Nichols; and grandson, Colin Lambert. He is also survived by his brother, John and sister-in-law Beth; sister-in-law, Susan (Ray) Rowan; brother-in-law, Mack (Ann) Thompson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family service will be held at the Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo, where Niles and his wife will be interred together.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Salvation Army or Asbury United Methodist Church. Condolences can be mailed to P.O. Box 381532, Birmingham AL 35238.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18