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Robert Stiles PH2  
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In his memory:


Robert Nathaniel Stiles PH2
VFP-62 1956-57



Updated: August 28, 2023

[Webmaster's Note: This page is under construction and will be updated as tributes from family, friends, and former Navy members are received. Contact Webmaster on the link below.]


    Memories and Tributes

  • Robert Nathaniel Stiles, 77, of Otto, NC passed away Monday, March 11, 2013. He was born in Franklin, NC, son of the late Lake and Ethel Roberts Stiles.

    While a young boy, the family moved from NC to the campus of Rabun Gap Nacoochee School (RGNS). Bob was a graduate of the RGNS '55 class. Soon after graduation he joined the Navy. He attended photography school at Pensacola, FL and was assigned to VFP 62 in Jacksonville, FL. He served on the USS Intrepid for one cruise. He was reassigned to the Naval Photographic Center near Washington, DC. While in Washington, he married Sharon Dawn Keener of Rabun Gap, RGNS '57.

    Upon discharge from the Navy, Bob worked for WSB in Atlanta for two years before joining Houston Fearless Corp, based in Washington, DC. In 1962, while working for Houston Fearless, Bob was mobilized to support the surveillance activities during the Cuban missile crisis. In 1972, he became partners in Allen Products Company located in Milford, CT. His company supported many clients in the film and movie industries, as well as governmental agencies, among them NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense. In 1986, NASA selected videotape to replace film that had recorded all previous launches at Cape Kennedy. However, one film camera, serviced by machinery from Allen Products, continued to record the launches. This film footage was the only documentation which showed in detail the Challenger accident.

    Bob retired from Allen Products in 1990 and moved to Otto, NC. He became a certified master gardener in NC and supported many local activities of the master gardener program in Macon County. In 1995, Bob rejoined Houston Fearless, initially in Compton, CA and then in Yuma, AZ. He retired a second time in 2002.

    Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lake and Ethel Stiles, two sisters, Lillian Chastain and Lane Sargent. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Keener Stiles and daughter, Wendy Stiles of Otto, NC; sons Ivy and Barry Stiles (Cathy) of Rabun Gap, GA; two brothers, Billy Joe Stiles (Mavis) of Rabun Gap and Bert Stiles of Carrolton and two sisters, Hazel Wilson and Laverne Henry of Franklin. A sister-in-law, Sandra Smith (Jim) of Westminster, SC, along with many nieces and nephews also survive.

    The family will receive friends at Beck Funeral Home Wednesday, March 13, 2013 from 6 PM to 8 PM. A graveside service at Wolffork Baptist Church Cemetery will be conducted Saturday. March 16, 2013 at 2 PM with Dr. Jack Beaver officiating

    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send a gift in the family's name to the Lewis Rathbun Center. The Rathbun Center is a non-profit corporation that provides lodging and other supportive services in a 'home like' environment, free of charge, for patients and or their caregivers coming into Asheville, North Carolina for medical treatment. The website is http://www.rathbuncenter.org/ .

    Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.




  • Robert (L) with cameras and crewmate. Circa 1956
    Note size of cameras. The sign in back says "Camera gear is expensive--handle it carefully."


    Bob on the USS Intrepid catwalk. The green shirt indicates "maintenance technician" on the flight deck. The goggles protect against flying objects. Photo via: Barry Stiles (son)



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    Updated 3/9/18


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