George Larry Stiles, beloved son, brother, and father, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 23 at age 66.
Larry was born on May 24, 1954 to George and Dorothy Stiles (Davis) in Portsmouth, Ohio. His love for the outdoors began as a child, where he logged countless miles around the city on his bicycle. Larry’s passion for football was also rooted during adolescence and through his high school years as a proud member of the Portsmouth Trojans football team. He began his college education at Kent State University in 1972, but moved back to Portsmouth when his father’s health began to decline. In 1978, he returned to Kent State where he finished his degree (B.A. Graphic Design, 1981) in large part as a tribute to his late father. After completing his education, Larry spent the majority of his career in sales with TAFA (Praxair Surface Technologies), a role that afforded him the opportunity to travel the world and within which he found great success. He married Robin (Barber) Stiles on October 8, 1983, and welcomed son George Trevor Stiles on July 10, 1987. Larry and Robin shared a close, lifelong friendship. He married Brenda (Knapp) Stiles on June 26, 1997 and welcomed a second son, Nathan Richard Stiles, on January 9, 1999.
Larry’s passion for the outdoors continued into adulthood. He enjoyed traveling, camping, and hiking across the country with close friends (including Kirk MacDonald and Alan Yanski). In his retirement, he found joy in giving back to those less fortunate, volunteering with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. Larry enthusiastically rooted for The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Reds, and his alma mater’s basketball team (Go Flashes!). He is remembered for his larger-than-life personality, great sense of humor, welcoming nature, thoughtfulness, and kindness.
Larry is preceded in death by his father George and his niece Amy Frazier. He is survived by Robin (Barber) Stiles and their son Trevor (Anna); Brenda (Knapp) Stiles and their son Nathan; his significant other Sandra Burbank; his mother, Dorothy; his sisters Marsha (Don) Venturino and Lori (Ray) Frazier; his nieces and nephews Kari, Krista, Matthew, Amber, Abbey, and Kirsten; and his great-nieces Bailee, Rylie, and Brynlee.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford. Online condolences may be sent to www.edafh.com.
