Obituaries » Dr. Richard Dixon Giles
Dr. Richard Dixon Giles
Dr. Richard Dixon Giles, 79, of Lynchburg, VA, died Saturday, January 28, 2023. He was born on August 27, 1943, to the late Margaret Aylor Dixon and Benjamin Garrett Giles. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Augusta Giles, and her husband Carlton Conway Carter. Richard graduated from Chatham High School in 1961. He was encouraged to attend Hampden Sydney College by his French teacher, Mrs. Tune. He received a Bachelor of Science degree Cum Laude in 1965. Through his leadership Sigma Nu Fraternity was established at the college along with many lasting friendships. University of Virginia Medical School was the next step in his education, he was with Alpha Omega Alpha and graduated in 1969 from UVA. Internship followed at the University of Washington in Seattle. Nephrology became his focus but he decided to serve two years in the Air Force. He was assigned to an Air Force base in northeastern Thailand. His wife, Linda, was able to join him and live in Ubon, Thailand. Richard then returned to Charlottesville to complete a fellowship in Nephrology. In 1976, Richard and Linda came to Lynchburg. Richard saw the need for Nephrology and with the help of many started dialysis in Lynchburg. He then expanded the units to Farmville and Amherst. He retired after 50 years of practice, but returned for five more years as Medical Director of the Amherst Dialysis Unit. Richard and Linda have been active members of Peakland United Methodist Church. Richard helped start, with the support of Peakland United Methodist Church, the Central Virginia Medical Mission Team, for over 15 years doctors, dentists, nurses, and volunteers took needed supplies to Jamaica, where they set up clinics in remote areas. Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda; two sons, Benjamin G. Giles (Elizabeth Dodson), and Richard Daniel Giles. He deeply loved his four grandchildren, Benjamin Garrett, Wyatt Joseph, Evangeline Hart, and Deitrick Hunter Giles. Fishing on the Rappahannock River, golfing, and watching UVA basketball were some of the activities that Richard enjoyed most.
An inurnment will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. for the family at Peakland United Methodist Church Columbarium. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 11 a.m.
The family wishes to thank the medical community for the care given to Dr. Giles. Centra Home Health and others that allowed Richard to be at home with us. Special thanks to Centra Hospice who were so helpful at Forest Health and Rehab. In lieu of flowers the family suggests you make memorial contributions to Peakland United Methodist Church or Hampden Sydney College.
Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.
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Richard and I were classmates in elementary and high school. Unfortunately, I have not seen him since we accidentally met while eating lunch at Hamilton AFB in 1971. I am not surprised that he had an outstanding career and contributed so much to society. He was one of the very finest people I have known. Gene Hart, Medford, Oregon.
Posted by Gene Hart on February 5, 2023
Dr. Richard Giles was an exceptional nephrologist and human being. He was kind to all. I began my career in dialysis at Lynchburg Dialysis on TateSpring Road. Dr. Giles loved all his patient, and would show his affection for them. My greatest memory of him was of many times he would come to the desk with a urgent request for office notes, lab value, X-ray and Scans that he would want ASAP. While I would find the info he wanted he would be at my desk looking at me over his glasses as if to say " It's not here yet". Over the years of graciously serving Dr. Giles, I learned to love him dearly, during our friendship, I found out his birthday was the same day as my on father's. From this day forward I was bonded with him, and I would go to the ends of the earth for the information requested, now only was he my employers, he had became my stand in dad. I will miss him terribly. Father please accept my heart felt condolences, your husband, father, grandfather was great man.
Posted by Yetta Harrison on February 4, 2023
Linda, I am sorry to learn of the passing of your husband, Richard. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Your cousin, Ann Givens Thomas.
Posted by Ann Thomas on February 2, 2023
We were sad to learn of Richard’s passing. We were classmates at Chatham High School and I worked a few summers on his family farm. We played basketball together. After high school our lives and careers went in different directions but I always enjoyed the opportunity of seeing him at our high school reunions. We offer our prayers for peace for the Giles family. Kitty and Joe Rogers, Chatham.
Posted by Joe and Kitty Rogers on February 2, 2023
Dr Giles was my doctor. He guided me during a challenging time in my life. His wisdom and caring nature allows me to enjoy life 24 years after a kidney transplant. He was my doctor and friend! He will be missed by many but never forgotten. May God bless.
Posted by Randy Dye on February 2, 2023
Dr. Giles' passing leaves a huge hole in Lynchburg, the larger community, and the medical community. He led a long life of service and humanity. I am sorry for your loss.
Posted by Melissa McCann, RN on February 2, 2023
I have so so many memories of Dr Giles, I don’t know where to start. We were blessed to have him teach us to use our clinical nursing skills on a completely different level. I am so incredibly thankful for that. We, that are left in the MICU, send our deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing and supporting him while we needed him at the hospital. The sacrifice is not lost on any of us. This is huge, but I would give anything to have him look over those pulled down glasses at me waiting for a response. Condolences to each of you.
Posted by Toni Elkins on February 2, 2023
No words can explain the incredible loss to humanity, from losing a true champion of the medical community. The ultimate hero, teacher and and mentor.. I worked for Dr. Giles for many years, when he was there I knew everything was alright. He brought peace and stability to any situation. Condolences to his family, He is in a better place. Someday we will all see him again.
Posted by Nellie H Smith on February 1, 2023
I remember Richard well. I was a year behind him in school at Chatham High School. He was so intelligent. Excelled in academics. His mother taught me at the same school. I am so sorry for your loss. He was greatly admired and I know you will miss him. Please accept my condolence. He was a wonderful man.
Posted by Peg Saunders Mayhew on February 1, 2023
So sorry for your loss. No one will ever live up to the doctor and employer he was. He will truly be missed by so many!
Posted by Angie Swafford on January 31, 2023
Dr Giles was an exceptional physician, teacher, and human being. He will be sorely missed
Posted by Michael Yeatts on January 31, 2023
Grandpa, I love you and miss you. Deit
Posted by Deitrick Giles on January 31, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. I am so glad I had the pleasure to work for Dr. Giles. He was one of a kind! He loved to teach or make you learn and I can say I learned so much from him over the years. There will never be another like him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Contadina on January 31, 2023
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