Bobby Nelson Wiles

Bobby Nelson Wiles, 93, passed away on August 6, 2026.

Born in Danville, Virginia, he was the son of the late Lester Bruce Wiles and Beatrice Hardy Wiles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald B. Wiles.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Ruth Bigger Wiles; two sons, Robert N. Wiles (Susan) and Richard B. Wiles (Carol); and a daughter, Ruth Anne Poteat (Brian). He is also survived by three grandsons, John "Jack" Robert Wiles (Katelin), Spencer T. Wiles (Kendall), and Dustin B. Wiles (Sophie); one great-grandson, Rhett T. Wiles; and another great-grandson on the way. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.

Bob married Virginia Ruth Bigger on July 26, 1953. Together they shared 73 wonderful years of marriage, raising their children, enjoying time with their grandchildren, and creating countless cherished memories, from annual family beach trips to Holden Beach to adventures and travels abroad.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Bob served in Germany from 1953 to 1955. He pursued higher education through evening classes at the VPI Extension and Averett College. He was a graduate of the School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia, the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University, and the National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern University.

For 45 years, Bob was associated with NationsBank and its predecessor banking organizations in Danville. He began his banking career in 1951 with First National Bank of Danville, serving in a variety of customer service and management positions. In 1972, he joined the Trust Department as Vice President and Trust Officer. He served as Manager of the local Trust Office in Danville from January 1987 until his retirement from NationsBank, now Bank of America, in 1996.

Bob was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Danville, where he served faithfully in numerous leadership roles, including the Board of Deacons, Leadership Council, and Treasurer. He was also deeply involved in civic and community service. He served as the founding Executive Director of the DPC Community Foundation, now the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region; Treasurer of House of Hope; and President of several civic organizations, including the Danville Jaycees, the Optimist Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Danville. His leadership extended beyond the local level through service as State Vice President of the Virginia Jaycees and Lieutenant Governor of the Capital District of Kiwanis International.

Bob was devoted to his family, his faith, and his community. He was respected by all who knew him and approached every endeavor with passion, integrity, and enthusiasm. He enjoyed golf, was a Master Gardener, and was an avid runner and athlete. He also possessed a quick wit that brought joy to those around him. He especially enjoyed a good laugh, often at his own expense.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to their extended family members and to all who supported Bob throughout his life with friendship, kindness, and meaningful connections.

Bob's life was defined by his unwavering faith, commitment to service, and deep love for his family. His example will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Danville or to a charity of the donor's choice.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church on August 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial celebration of life at 1:00 p.m.