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ALBERT STILES Obituary

ALBERT BERNARD STILES, 91, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Carmel, Ind. He was born Aug. 13, 1922, in Florence, S.C. Al was a United States Army veteran. In 1971, he opened Al Stiles World's Best Shoe Shine which existed for over 30 years. In the 1980s, he started a program called the Talent Factory, teaching inner city youth the theater arts. Al was an accomplished tap dancer and performed with such stars as Josephine Baker, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sammy Davis Jr. and played in such venues as the Cotton Club and the Blue Note. The Apollo Theater honored the contributions of Al by declaring him a living legend. Surviving are his two sons, Dr. Reginald B. (Delois) Stiles and Ronald B. (Mary Ann) Stiles; and brother, William George Stiles. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Stiles; and two sisters, Christine Kinsey and KathrynStiles. Service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1331 Gay St. The Rev. Sam Shade, Senior Pastor. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at Ellis Funeral Home, 1021 E. Lewis St. Pastor James Morehead, Pasadena Height Church of God, Indianapolis, Ind. will officiate. "Al's memory will live on forever and the family is hopeful that you will come out to celebrate his extraordinary life." If you would like to make a charitable contribution to help the family continue his legacy, please send donations to: Rhonda Chin PO Box 723, Carmel, IN 46082. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Send condolences to www.ellisfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Jan. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for ALBERT STILES

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Michael McDonald

January 16, 2014

Mr. Stiles, known to us as Uncle Al, was one of my first mentors dating back to 1974. I worked in his shop as a shoeshine boy and was trained in the art of being a man by his great example. At that time, His shoeshine shop was located on Wayne street near downtown, and we worked evenings and Saturdays. I valued the apprenticeship he designed for us. Mr. Stiles and his wife Maxine were also neighbors of mine on Summit street. Living less than a block away from the Stiles, they were always present and available. I still rely on many of the teachings and examples he shared with me. I will always cherish the time I spent with him. May God bless and keep his legacy alive through those he touched.

Gwen Sermon

January 14, 2014

To the Stiles family,Brad and Bernard, I was so inspired by your Uncle Al. He shared many stories of his experiences of his life and his love of people. He will be missed and it was always a pleasure to be in his presence. The memories will live in all of our hearts. May God give you strength and comfort during this time.

Patricia Bolton

January 13, 2014

"To one of the greatest grandpas out there" Love you & will miss you dearly" you will always live on in my heart" shoe shine! -your grand daughter

January 12, 2014

Hello Ronnnie sooo sorry to hear about your loss hugs to you my friend-
Sheree Powers
Fort wayne In

Joseph Dyer

January 12, 2014

Al was a wonderful man and I got to spend five enlightening years working with him.

Nina Baker and Christopher and Shantell Baker and Family

January 12, 2014

Rhonda, Monique, Raquel, RJ and Mary, we are so sorry about the loss of your grandfather. You are in our prayers.

Kathy and Annanias Brooks and Family

January 12, 2014

To the Stiles family, We were so sorry to hear about the passing of your father, grandfather and friend Al Stiles. He truely was a great man. Always kind to me and my family. Our heart and prayers are with you during this sad time.

Ella Smith-Fuller

January 11, 2014

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

tina goings

January 11, 2014

To the family you are in our prayers. May GOD continue to keep you and give you Peace. Keep your memories in your hearts. May the love of family and friends comfort you at this difficult time. We love you and you are in our prayers.

Annette Travis - Arrington

January 10, 2014

God's blessings to the family of Mr. Al Stiles. It was always such a delight to know or run into Mr. Stiles. He loved everyone and no one was a stranger to him. The stories and histories that he would share. His spirit will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all those that he encountered and shared with others during his journey here. Thank you family for sharing him. God's blessings always and at all times.

Grace Black

January 10, 2014

To Reggie, Ronnie and the entire family, you are loved and in my prayers. I am blessed to have known Mr Stiles.
Friends for life
Grace Black

Dr. Junius Pressey, Jr., D.Min.

January 10, 2014

This morning we mourn along with the Stiles family the passing of Albert Stiles, a local History Maker and Living Legend, who will be missed in a big way. I will always treasure his book first written at the age of 84, "I Was Part of That" and the CD production, "We Can Fly". In my personal copy Al signed, "Best Wishes From Al Stiles to a Good Friend J. B. Pressey, 10/17/206. He was truly a great living legend.

I can hear Al voice now, "Keep On Keeping On, Yes, God I will keep on Keeping On for We Can Fly." Farewell my Friend.

Chris Worth

January 10, 2014

He was a great man in my eyes, a man to be admired and touched so many lives. He will be missed by so many people. My condolences to the family.
Chris Woth

DeLois McKinley

January 9, 2014

Our sympathy goes to you and your family. Mr. Stiles was such an inspiration to youth in the city. His smile will surely be missed.

Rita Junk

January 9, 2014

I am so blessed to have known and worked with Al...he was a very brilliant, energetic, and compassionate man...may he rest in the presence of all his heavenly friends and family...til we meet again, Al...save a tap dance for me!!!

Robert & Anna Sevier

January 9, 2014

Deepest regrets to the family of a local hero. We all loved Al.

Jimmy & Cecelia Graham

January 9, 2014

Reggie & Ronnie, your dad was truly a wonderful man who never met a stranger. "Living legend" is a great description, however he was much more than that to all who had the pleasure of spending time with him. I have fond memories of sitting in his shoe shop on Anthony St. hearing all of his stories of his life experiences. Make no mistake about it he could shine a shoe & took pride in his profession. He introduced me to Stacy Adams shoes. Cecelia & my prayers are with all of Mr. Stiles family. "Walk by faith, not by sight" & know he is resting with GOD !!!!

James Mazique

January 9, 2014

May God bless you and your family in the time of sorrow.

James Patrick

January 9, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Patty Corbat

January 9, 2014

Rest in peace Al. You are tap dancing probably now to the music of Joe Taylor's Red Birds. Al and Joe did many a floor shows years ago and Joe had nothing but great words for his friend Al. My sincere condolences..Fort Wayne has lost a good man and a great entertainer.

Barb Williams

January 9, 2014

Dr. Reggie and Ronnie, Your Dad was a happy man and enjoyed being with us at the Venice listening to music. I will miss seeing him at the South Side market on Sat. mornings and giving him a hug.My deepest sympathy to you and your family. He made an impact on a lot of people in his life!!!!

Doug Rydman

January 9, 2014

It was a pleasure working with Al in our Toastmasters Club, and I was honored when asked to be the narrator for the story of Al's life. I surely hope one day that film will be available for the public to see so that more people will know about the exciting life Al led. May God bless you and your family.

Clarence & Jill Stokes

January 9, 2014

Our heartfelt prayers go out to the famiy. Al will be missed.

Kim Reed

January 9, 2014

Mr. Stiles was a very talent person. My condolences to The Stiles family.

January 9, 2014

To the Stiles Family,

It was a pleasure to know Mr. Stiles. May the peace of God be with you all during this difficult time.

Peggy Stephens-Williams

Ora Jean Jackson

January 9, 2014

Dr. Stiles and Family, Tara, Tysus, and I wish we could be there with the Family but you are in our prayers. Mr. Stiles is with our Father in Heaven and he was a wonderful man. Many blessings to the Stiles Family.

LaMont Roberts

January 9, 2014

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Pauline Temple-Hawkins

January 9, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Pastor Reggie & Lady Sue Pearson

January 9, 2014

To Dr. Stiles and all the Family, we are praying for your peace and comfort during this time. But rejoice to know that Al is at peace! We are thankful that we got to be in the presence of a living legend! Cherish "ALL" the memories of him for life!

Deb (Coburn)Plummer

January 9, 2014

Mr. Stiles was standing behind me in line (just a few years ago) and we got to talking. He introduced himself to me, we shook hands & we talked about his store on Anthony and his life. I told him that I had always looked for his sign when we came 'into town' from New Haven. I told him that it was my pleasure to have met him! I will always remember that day. He was a gentleman. You all have my sympathy.

Bill and Linda Hollonsyde

January 9, 2014

So sorry to hear about AL Ronnie,I know u will feel his loss,Bill and I send our condolence

James & Mary Smith

January 8, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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