08/03/2026
Cecil Gerald “Gerry” Giles, 74, of Alton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Born on July 6, 1952, in Rosewood Heights, Illinois, Gerry was the beloved son of the late Cecil Jack Giles and Mary Jane (Roe) Giles. He graduated from Roxana High School, Class of 1970, where he proudly played on the drum line with the Piasa Indians and the Belleville Black Knights. The friendships he made and the memories he created during those years remained close to his heart throughout his life.
In 1982, Gerry married the love of his life, Corby Lee (McAfoos) Giles. Together they shared a life rooted in love, family, and countless memories.
Gerry dedicated his career to caring for others as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Alton Memorial Hospital. Caring for people was more than a profession to him. It was something he genuinely loved. His calm presence, compassion, and dedication earned the respect of his coworkers and the gratitude of the many patients and families whose lives he touched throughout his career.
He is survived by his loving wife, Corby Lee Giles; his children, Brook (Brian) Hausman, Nathan Giles, and Lindsey (John) Duggan; his cherished grandchildren, Lauren, Logan, Paislee, Corbin, Bayley, and Cami; his sister, Cheryl (Vernon) LeClaire; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Jack Giles and Mary Jane (Roe) Giles.
Family was the center of Gerry’s life. He found his greatest happiness spending time at the lake with those he loved most. Whether he was boating, fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying a day in the water, floating , those were the moments he treasured. He also looked forward to family vacations, holidays, and any opportunity to gather with family and friends. To Gerry, it wasn’t about where you were, it was about who you were with.
He was known for his warm smile, bright blue eyes, contagious laugh, and genuine kindness. Gerry never met a stranger. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and always had time to lend a helping hand, or share a story. His generosity and caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Of all the roles Gerry held in life, being Pawpaw was the one he cherished most. Nothing brought him more joy than watching his grandchildren grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and creating memories they will carry with them forever.
Gerry also shared a special bond with his sister, Cheryl. More than brother and sister, they were lifelong friends who celebrated life’s joys together. The closeness they shared was evident to everyone who knew them, and it was a relationship Gerry treasured deeply.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gerry’s life during a visitation on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Gent Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Alton, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alton Memorial Hospital Foundation in honor of Gerry’s lifelong dedication to caring for others and the community he loved.
