DONALD MITCHELL STILES SR.

Donald Mitchell Stiles, Sr., age 72 of Murphy, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 07, 2022.

Don was born July 14, 1949 to the late Herbert (Hub) and Mary Jo Keener Stiles in Murphy, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Penny Smith Stiles and his son, Donald Mitchell Stiles, Jr.

Don was the four year president of his Murphy High School Class of 1967. He was an outstanding football player for the MHS Bulldogs who went on to play football for the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs. He was a 1972 graduate of the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy.

After working at pharmacies in Dalton and Rome, GA., he purchased City Drug in Ducktown, Tenn. Later he became a partner in the McCayesville Drug Center. He was then a partner in the McCayesville Drug and Gun and the Brasstown Drug and Gun. He loved his co-workers and customers. He made many friends over the 49 years he worked there as a pharmacist.

Don was a member of the Tomotla United Methodist Church. He attended faithfully until his decline in health. He was also a member of the Mackey Masonic Lodge No. 120 of Cave Springs, Ga.

Don is survived by his daughter, Melanie Stiles Randolph (Keldin) of Gainesville, Ga; three grandchildren, Collin and Caitlin Stiles of Murphy, NC, and Isaac Randolph of Gainesville, Ga; two brothers Terry Stiles (Marsha) and Carl Stiles; a daughter-in-law, Libby A. Stiles; special friend, Katherine Dailey; a nephew, Brian Stiles; two nieces, Lindsey Stiles and Nicole S. Adcock; and several cousins.

Don was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan. He was a happy man when his beloved Dawgs won the National Football Championship.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home, Murphy with Rev. Tim Lee and Dr. Chester Jones officiating. Interment will be in the Tomotla Community Cemetery after the service. Pallbearers will be Brian Stiles, David Worley, Hugh Rogers, Brian Wells, Ray Kerley, and Ben Joyner. Honorary pallbearers include his childhood friend, Hubert Wells, Rick Stiles, Frank Dickey, Ken Lance, and his 1967 MHS Football teammates.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 pm Wednesday at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home prior to the services.

Don battled leukemia for the last 10 years. During that time he received many units of blood products as do many cancer patients. A donation of blood or plateletes in his memory can help others who are still fighting the disease. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would also be welcomed.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.