William B. (Bill) Stiles passed away peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, in Pinehurst.
Bill was born Nov. 15, 1927, in Haverhill, Mass. He first served in the U.S. Merchant Marine and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving until 1952, when he was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant from the 564th Installation Squadron at Otis Air Force Base, Falmouth, Mass.
Bill returned to run his family’s businesses and serve as a volunteer fireman in Groveland, Mass., until he pursued his lifelong passion as an accomplished horseman. He managed a number of Morgan and Thoroughbred horse farms throughout New England, the South and Florida, and was a longtime member of the Morgan Horse Association.
Bill retired to Southern Pines in 1999, where he continued his work with horses and was a past member of the Moore County Driving Club. He also took up oil painting, became a member of the Arts Council of Moore County, and received recognition for his colorful, early American style of painting based on his New England roots.
Bill was a loyal friend to many and an especially loving family man, who is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Mary (nee Thompson); son William Jr., of Allentown, Pa.; daughter Susan Schaad and grandson, Justin Schaad, of Southern Pines; granddaughter Amanda Stiles Branecki; great-granddaughter Addison Branecki, of Santa Cruz, Calif.; and his loyal Doberman, Indy.
Memorials may be made to Equine Advocates (www.equineadvocates.org), of Chatham, N.Y., or Doberman Rescue of the Triad (www.doberman-rescue.com), of Greensboro.
Online condolences may be made at www.PinesFunerals. com.
Powell Funeral Home of Southern Pines is serving the family.
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