Dr. Willie A. Giles Jr., 81, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2022, at The Village in Mission nursing facility after a lengthy illness.

He was born in 1941 in Conway, Arkansas to the late Elizabeth Dukes. He was raised by his Uncle John Henry and Aunt Gladys, who preceded him in death. Five siblings preceded him in death.

After graduating from Menifee High School in Menifee, Arkansas, he went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, Arkansas with a B. S. Degree in Education  He earned a M.S. Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Michigan, an Educational Specialist Degree in Administration (Ed.S.) from the University of Missouri- Kansas City and a Doctorate Degree in Education (Ed.D) from the University of Kansas.

Dr. Giles began his career as an educator in the Detroit Public School System. He later moved to Kansas City, Missouri School District where he served in various capacities including Secondary School Principal, Director of Schools, Director of the Desegregation Monitoring Office, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, and Deputy Superintendent of Schools. He ended his long productive and influential career with the Indianapolis Public School District as Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operations Officer in 2012.

He accepted Christ in his life at an early age at Bethel Baptist Church in Conway, Arkansas. He was a faithful member of Paseo Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri where he taught Sunday school and was an active member of the Board of Trustees and other committees that served and assisted others.

 As a lifelong learner himself, with a passion for encouraging growth in faith and knowledge, he was instrumental in the founding and planning of the Erma L. Williams Learning Center where his compassion for developmental learning and education was evident. His desire in totality, no matter the situation or circumstance, was to forever serve God and assist others. He was a member of Kansas City’s Midtown Kiwanis Club and enjoyed reaching out and supporting the children in the schools, their parents, and other related community causes.

He leaves behind his devoted and loving wife of 25 years Ernestine Clark-Giles. He also leaves behind to mourn his passing two sons from a previous marriage, Dwayne (Jeanene), Keenon (Janna Birdwell) and one daughter, Dana, all of Grandview, Missouri; and Ernestine’s son, Kevin Clark. Dr. Giles leaves behind seven brothers and sisters, ten grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

Dr. Giles will be missed for his ready smile, quick wit, supportive nature, strength, and intelligence. He will be missed by many and always remembered.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Paseo Baptist Church, 2501 Paseo Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 with the viewing from 10:00 am until 11:00 am and the service starting at 11:00 am. Interment will follow immediately after at Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Home, 1800 E. Linwood Blvd. Condolences may be shared on our website.

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Dr. Willie A. Giles, Jr.’s name to the Erma L. Williams Learning Center, Paseo Baptist Church, 2501 Paseo Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108 or the Alzheimer’s Association.