Raymond Lloyd Giles completed his earthly journey this morning and was welcomed into the arms of the Father after a prolonged battle from an injury sustained in January. Born in Athens, TX on June 21, 1951, to Margaret Hazel McGee and Lawrence Earl Giles, Raymond was a lifelong sports fan who fondly remembered listening to the radio with his Grandpa Giles on the front porch.

A graduate of Mesquite High School, Raymond's path was forever changed the day he skipped school to visit the Navy recruiter. This decision set the trajectory for his life. He proudly served as an Aviation Fire Control Technician on the USS Forrestal, a ship he dearly loved. He passed with his cherished command ball cap on his head. One of his favorite memories was visiting Greece during his service, a place he often reminisced about. He would close his eyes in Greek or Italian restaurants, allowing the aromas to transport him back to "Fleet Landing," a time of youth and adventure.

Though he served during the Vietnam era, Raymond never called himself a Vietnam Veteran. He remained humble, preferring to honor those who faced greater hardships during the war. To those who thanked him for his service, he would often respond, "I took away much more than I gave".

After his honorable service to his country, Raymond began working at Nipak Fertilizer Plant in Trinidad, Texas, where he married and had his first son. He later moved to Longview and then Tatum, working at Martin Creek Power Plant and Coal Mines for Texas Utilities. He would remain with the company for over 30 years before eventually retiring.

During his time in Longview, Raymond had his second son, both of whom followed in his footsteps by joining the Navy—something he never hesitated to boast about. While raising his boys, Raymond never missed a sporting event or school function unless there was a scheduling conflict, meaning both boys played at the same time, but different locations. His deep commitment to his children led him to another passion: volunteering at the ball fields of McWhorter Park. He served as president of two leagues and was known for his generosity, often buying snow cones or sodas for kids at the fields.

Even after retirement, Raymond found it difficult to stay idle. He came out of retirement several times, as staying busy allowed him to do what he loved most—talking to people. Raymond had a gift for striking up conversations, even when the topic might not have been of interest to the other person.

Raymond was predeceased by his mother, Margaret, father, Lawrence, daughter Cami Cardinale, sister Pat, and brother Glenn "Boudreaux" Giles. He is survived by his wife Linda; son and daughter-in-law Raymond and Catrina Giles; son and daughter-in-law James and Kristen Giles; grandsons Christopher Lewis and Maverick Charles Lloyd Giles; granddaughters Dallas Giles, Allyson Carroll and husband Matt, Audrey Giles; and great-grandson Beckham Carroll. He is also survived by his sisters Edna Dunkin and husband Charles, Sandra Wheeler, and many nieces and nephews who saw him as a father figure.

Per Raymond's wishes, there will be no services, but he will have a burial at sea. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United States Navy Memorial in his honor.