Bill Stiles

Mr. Elbert Leon "Bill" Stiles, age 80, of Zebulon, passed away January 11, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family. Bill grew up in LaFayette, Georgia, the son of the late Charles Stiles and Mae Sprayberry Stiles.

He was something special to everyone — Bill, Billy, Mr. Bill, Mr. Stiles, Deddy, Dad, Pops, Old Man, Grandaddy, G-Daddy — and each name carried a different memory, a different kind of love, and a different piece of who he was.

For 42 years, Stiles Body Shop was truly his home away from home — and if you asked him, it was "more like home than home." You could count on finding him there Monday through Friday, like clockwork. He didn't just work there; he lived there in the best way. It was a place full of stories, laughter, and open doors. Friends became family, family became regulars, and if you timed it just right, you might even catch him at lunchtime — which meant you were probably staying to eat, whether you planned to or not.

Bill didn't believe in sugar-coating much of anything. He said what he meant, meant what he said, and never felt the need to dress it up. If you spent any time at the body shop, you probably got a front-row seat to that honesty — whether you were ready for it or not. But behind that straight talk was a big heart. He loved his family fiercely and without apology, and everyone who knew him could feel just how deep that love ran.

Music was part of who Bill was. Whether it was a guitar in his hands, fingers moving across the piano, or sitting down at the organ, music followed him everywhere. He spent many nights picking tunes with friends at places like the Hollonville Opry House, the Williamson Music Barn, and the back room at Ruth's Restaurant in Zebulon — and just as often, you could find him playing right at home, in the pavilion outdoors or gathered in the living room with friends. He was shy in a crowd, but he loved to sing along with the radio while he rode, letting the music keep him company wherever he went.

Bill loved the simple joys of life — puttering in the garage, riding his tractor, fishing, and camping. But what people remember most was his spirit. He was funny, sharp, and always one step ahead in a conversation. When that famous "shit-eating grin" showed up, you knew you'd been had. His laugh filled rooms, his presence drew people in, and no matter his age, he never carried himself like anything other than a young man enjoying every minute.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Stiles; his son, Terry Stiles; and many brothers and sisters who were waiting to welcome him home.

He is survived by his wife, Annette Stiles; children: Daryl Stiles (Cari), Jerry Stiles (Lynn), and Kimberly Creel (Hal); grandchildren: Jamie Moore (Travis Rowland), Corey Moore (Sam), Luke Stiles, Lance Creel, Jake Stiles, and Nickelos Stiles; great-grandchildren: Ty, Lane, Ryan, and Addaline; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit the family on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

A Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all who visited him in his final months. He never stopped talking about how full his heart felt seeing how many friends he had and how many lives he touched. Each visit meant more to him than words could say, and you truly made his final months so special. Our deepest gratitude to Heather Coates and the whole Southern Grace Hospice team for their compassion, love, care, and support.