John, “Pappaw Jake” “Jake” Marion Stiles: Obituary

John, “Pappaw Jake” “Jake” Marion Stiles, of the Peachtree community, age 80. After a brief battle with acute myeloid leukemia, John passed peacefully into heaven on Monday, February 3, 2020 at his home surrounded by family.

John, the son of Howard B. and Mattie Taylor Stiles was one of nine children. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph Stiles (Lila) and R.T. Stiles (Nelda) and five sisters, Wyline Clonts (Ules), Iona Barron (Oscar), Emma “Amy” Sneed (Alvin), Kay Middleton (Bill) and Francis Hall (Bill).

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. John was best known in his community for selling local honey, produce and beagle dogs. He also raised cattle and chickens. John belonged to the International brotherhood of Boilermakers and was a member of Local 454 for 30 years. After retirement, he encouraged many of the current members of the Local 454 to follow in his footsteps. John was a member of the Upper Peachtree Baptist Church since his baptism in 1971.

He loved his family, nature, gardening, animals, children and “shooting the bull” with friends at local stores and flea markets. He particularly enjoyed being “pappaw” to several dozen children of family and friends. “Pappaw’s kids” maintained their relationships with him into their adulthood, visiting, often with their own children, up until his passing.

John touched everyone who met him with his humor, love of life, positive outlook and unique philosophy. He is surely missed.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Retha Ethelene Farmer Stiles; two daughters, Jackie Ella Stiles Moffitt (Kent Moffitt) and Shelley Marian Stiles Booe (Ken Booe) all of the Peachtree community; grandson, Justin Moffitt, step-grandson, Phillip Booe (Becky Nichols Booe); two step-great grandchild, Alex and Katie Booe of Hebron, CT; one sister, Maida Stiles Taylor of the Peachtree community; two sister-in-law’s, Lila Stiles of Hayesville and Nelda Stiles of Covington, GA; one brother-in-law, Bill Middleton (Rowayne) of Englewood, OH; and countless nieces, nephews, honorary grandchildren, families and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Harold Stiles and Rev. Derrick Tilley will officiate. Music will be provided by the Upper Peachtree Baptist Church choir. Burial will be in the Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ethan Palmer, Jason Payne, Eric Payne, Tyler Anderson, David Anderson, Ryan Farmer, John Farmer, Eric Steele and Matt Steele. Honorary pallbearers will be Elizabeth Palmer (Bibbit) Heather Bradshaw Palmer, Kela Payne, Amy Leatherwood Tart, Bethany Leatherwood Wyatt, Kimberly Hayes, Amber Leatherwood Mayo and Whitney Leatherwood Wilke.

The family will receive friends from 11 am to 1 pm, Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com