Martin L. Giles

  General Notes:

Obituary from http://www.bennettfuneralhomes.com/
Martin L. "Marty", Giles, 70 of Manakin Sabot passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2015. Marty was raised in Hanover County and has resided in Goochland County since 2003. He was a graduate of Lee-Davis H.S. class of '63 and attended VCU. Marty served in the US Army and was a Vietnam veteran in 1967 and 68 during the Tet offensive where he received the Purple Heart. He purchased his father's company, Virginia Sprinkler Co. in 1971 and served as president from 1971 until 2001. Marty was the Chairman of the Board until his death. The company was renamed VSC Fire & Security several years ago and is one of the largest fire sprinkler and alarm contractors in the nation. He was especially proud of his employees, many having spent their entire careers with the company. Locations of the company stretch from Maryland to Florida. Marty was deeply involved in the industry and spent 15 years as a director and was past Chairman of the American Fire Sprinkler Association based in Dallas, TX. He was also a past president of its Virginia chapter. Marty was also involved as a director or on committees for many non-profit associations including the Hospital Hospitality House, the Hanover Education Foundation, Prevent Blindness Mid Atlantic, and the Hanover Tavern Foundation. Marty was a long time member and a past director of Hermitage Country Club and was an avid golfer. PopPop, as he came to be known, loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren, all of whom will always be guided by his wisdom, generosity, and most importantly his unconditional love. He was preceded in death by his parents Louise and Roland Giles; and brother Roland Giles, Jr. "Bud." Marty is survived by his wife of 36 years Patty H. Giles; three children Matt Giles, Jeff Giles (Nicole) and Jenny Henkel (Max); five grandchildren Connor, Laney, and Stella Giles and Aidan and Dylan Henkel; two sisters Faye McGinley (Ernie) and Patsy Fulk (Richard); niece Katie McGinley Hypes (Brad); twin great nieces Sam and Liv Hypes; and Uncle Ellice Giles (Gracie). The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Friday, May 8, 2015 at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad St, where a funeral service will be held 12 noon Saturday, May 9, 2015. Entombment will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hospital Hospitality House, PO Box 10090 Richmond, Va. 23240 or at HHHRichmond.org or to the charity of your choice in Marty's memory.

  Research Notes:

Virginia Sprinkler Company, Inc. was established in 1958 in Ashland, Virginia by Roland C. Giles and V. M. Buck. In fact, Mr. Giles began the fire sprinkler company from his office in his family home. In 1972, Martin L. Giles, son of co-founder Mr. Roland Giles, becomes President.

Martin married Living