Giles was born in Winston County, Mississippi, on July 9, 1936, to Mike and Frances Metz Peterson. He was a member of Liberty Universalist Church and he was a Mason. Giles was a talented musician; he enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. He especially enjoyed bluegrass music and he was instrumental in introducing his grandson to music and playing instruments as well. Giles enjoyed his horses as well as sitting on the front porch of Peterson’s Store with Chris Beasley visiting with those who stopped by. In his early years, he was a photographer for the Jackson Daily News. Later, he established his logging business. Giles like to follow his nephews as they played team sports and he was known to be able to fix anything. He answered the call of his country by serving in the United States Army.
Giles is survived by his loving wife of more than 60 years, Patti Dawkins Peterson; his son, Thomas Peterson, both of Louisville; and his daughter, Dawn Peterson Reynolds, of Starkville, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “Granddaddy” to his grandson, Matthew (Emily) Reynolds. He also leaves behind his brother, Michael (Gina) Peterson; and his sister, Nancy Haggard; in addition to his loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Giles was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Frank Peterson; and his daughter-in-law, Melanie Peterson.
Serving as pallbearers are Joe Buck Peterson, Pat Peterson, Peter Peterson, Ronnie Flake, Randy Rives, and Tommy D. Rives. Honorary pallbearers are James Edmond and Chris Beasley.
Memorials in honor of Giles may be given to Liberty Universalist Church or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org.
