Obituary Samuel David Chiles

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SAMUEL DAVID CHILES departed this life on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at the Washington Hospital Center. He was the son of the late Samuel Allison Chiles and Essie Bell Chiles, and was born on October 10,'1920 in Waynesville, North Carolina. He was one of seven siblings, Ethel (deceased), John Wesley (deceased), James Arthur (deceased), Mary (deceased) Josephine (deceased) and Elizabeth (deceased). His daughter Barbara McKnight Jackson preceded him in death on August 17, 1996.   Sam, who came to be known as "Uncle Sam" to anyone who knew the family, served in the United States Army from which he was honorably discharged on October 17, 1945. Upon moving to Washington, DC he began working in the Federal government. After 42 years of federal service he retired from the Small Business Administration in 1982, where he was Chief of the Office Services Branch.   Sam married Mildred Elizabeth Steward of Johnson City, Tennessee on December 29, 1945. There were no children born to this union, After 60 years of a loving and exemplar marriage, Mildred preceded Sam in death in November 2006.   He was a member of the Florida Avenue Baptist Church. Sam assisted his wife Mildred in her work on the Social Service Committee by delivering food to senior citizens. His devotion and belief in God were exhibited through the life he lived. He was soft spoken and lived his life by doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.   He always had time to listen to anyone who sought his council, and any response from him was always a possible solution, not a criticism. His mission in life was to encourage harmony as opposed to discord. His mantra for family was unity above division. He never felt it was in an imposition to help anyone. His generosity of spirit was not limited to family members. He had a commanding spirit that earned the respect of not only family members and friends, but of anyone who came into his presence. You knew without his having to say so, that he was truly a God fearing man, and a child of God.   He had a unique witticism that could bring a smile to anyone. He especially enjoyed family gatherings were the youngest present would gravitate to "Uncle Sam" for their special time with him.   He is survived by his grandson Michael Jackson, Washington, DC; nephews James A. Chiles, Jr. (Suzette), Mitchellville, MD; Clifford Chiles (Deborah) Forestville, MD; David A. Chiles (Margaret), Clinton, MD; Samuel Chiles, Palmer Park MD; John W. Chiles, Jr., Washington, DC; David W. Ervin, Plainfield, NJ; nieces Angela Samuels Owens, Temple Hills, MD; Janice Chiles Williams and Sandra L. Chambers; Beverly Fuller, Anita Ervin, Linden NJ; Anna Marie Bone, Judith E. Allen, El Paso.TX; Myrtle Elaine Morgan (Luke), Cheverly, MD; sisters-in-law Minnie Jean Pookrum, Bowie, MD; Malinda Y. Steward, Upper Marlboro, MD; Louise B. Steward, Forestville, MD; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, relatives and friends.  Special acknowledgement is given to his cousin Arthur McZier (Ruby), Washington, DC; niece Bonnie Brown (Lawrence), Bowie, MD; and friend Johnny Allen, Temple Hills, MD.