Fredie C. ‘Fred’ Stiles, age 77 passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, April 20, 2020 at his home in Brown County.
Fred was born June 5, 1942 on the family farm in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to his parents, the late Luther and Edna (Alford) Stiles. He was a 1960 graduate of Brown County High School.
Fred had a love of horses that continued to grow throughout his life. During his summer breaks in high school, Fred worked at the Saddle Barn of the Brown County State Park, working and riding horses. After high school, he would exercise thoroughbreds at several race tracks in New Orleans, Louisiana, Florida and in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Fred’s love of horses also led him to compete in many rodeos. He had earned the title of State Champion Western Horse and National Champion Barrel Racer during the 1960’s. After the 1971 Kentucky Derby, Fred moved back to Brown County and was instrumental in building and operating the Brown County Horse Stables.
Fred was a private contractor and was a developmental manager on the Hotel Nashville project. He was also a former dairy and crop farmer.
In Fred’s spare time, he enjoyed reading Louis L’Amour novels, playing chess, flying small aircraft, watching Perry Mason and Old Western films. Most of all Fred enjoyed spending time with his family and living the simple life. He will be remembered as being a caring & loyal husband, father and friend to many.
He will be missed by his loving wife of 26 years, Coleen M. (Ott) Stiles, whom he married on May 4, 1993 in Nashville, children: Charles Stiles of Columbus and Uriah “Uri” Stiles of Nashville, grandchildren Shelby (Jake) Percifield, Hannah Stiles and Corey Stiles; great grandchildren, Laine Percifield, Payton and Alexis Stiles; sister, Dixie Smith of Columbus; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jerry D. “Don” Stiles, Harold Stiles and Dallas Stiles; sister-in-law, Linda Stiles; and a brother-in-law, Tom Smith.
The Rev. Burt Brock will conduct a private family graveside service at East Hill Cemetery in Morgantown. Funeral services have been entrusted to Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.
Memorial contributions may be sent in honor of Fred, to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, PO Box 803, Elmhurst, IL 60126.
Due to the current restrictions created by the COVID-19 Pandemic, Fred’s family encourages family and friends to share memories, photos and condolences at www.meredith-clark.com.
