Clifford W. Chiles, Sr.

Clifford W. Chiles Sr., affectionately known as ‘Fatal 1’ to family and close friends, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, April 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and children at Doctors Community Hospital in Maryland. He was born in Washington, D.C. on May 26, 1958, to James A. Chiles Sr. and Elaine H. Chiles – the youngest of their four children – with a strong voice and lovable personality. He loved God and accepted Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior when he was baptized at the age of 8. Growing up, he made lasting friends as an honest and charismatic gentleman who loved playing basketball and cards (particularly Spades, Pinochle and Bid Whist). He loved telling stories and sharing life lessons with those closest to him. He was also known for his love of cars; his favorite being a red ’69 Ford Mustang. Clifford attended the University of the District of Columbia, where he met Deborah Ballard through his close friend, a classmate of hers. They were married in 1982 and had five children - who they taught to love and serve God for themselves. He worked 32 years as a system tech with C&P (later becoming Bell-Atlantic & then Verizon) – receiving multiple rewards for his outstanding workmanship until he retired in 2010. Retirement didn’t slow him down at all though, as he went on to support his wife as co-owner of her child care center, finding local field trips and activities for the children, riding bikes with his brother and eldest daughter, and even taking up an interest in cooking (mastering delicious dishes like his braided salmon, turkey wings, signature pancakes, and beef & broccoli). As a man, husband, and father, Clifford sought to obey God’s Word and lead his family as God instructed – with love, integrity, obedience, and wisdom. He loved spending time with his family and made it an annual tradition: from New Year's celebrations at his brother’s, to Spring Break weeks at Massanutten Resort, Chiles Family Picnics in the summer, and Thanksgiving dinners at his childhood home. One of his favorite places to visit year-round was his property at Four Winds Club, a fond place of many great memories with his father. Cliff loved to laugh, play his music, watch Perry Mason with his wife, and pour into his adult children and grandchildren. He was enthusiastic about being healthy, making lasting memories, avoiding high fructose corn syrup at all costs, and studying his Bible. He was a faithful member of First Church in Baltimore and trusted God through all the best & hardest seasons of his life. He was an exceptional & irreplaceable man in all the lives he touched and will be greatly missed. Clifford Chiles Sr. leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 41 years, Deborah Ballard Chiles; their five children, Sharita Chiles, Clifford Chiles Jr., Salina Chiles, Shannon Chiles Collins (Gregory Sr.), James Chiles III; and seven grandchildren (Meagan, Madison, Mason, Clifford III, Clifton, Gregory Jr., and David). He is also survived by his brother, James Chiles Jr. (Suzette); two sisters, Sandra Chiles Settles (Deforrest) and Janice Chiles Williams; six brothers-in-law, five sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Cliff was predeceased by his parents, James and Elaine, and his eldest sister Angela. Clifford’s family will host a funeral service on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., Visitation - 11 a.m., Service. The service will be at Marshall-March Funeral Home in Suitland, MD. Please send flowers to the funeral home.

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Clifford W. Chiles, Sr.

May 26, 1958 - April 8, 2023