Robert M. Giles, affectionately known as the "B.B. King of Gospel", received his heavenly wings and journeyed home to be with his Heavenly Father in the early morning hours of Friday, February 21, 2020.

Born on March 24, 1959 in Havre de Grace, Maryland, he was the fifth child of the late Roy Robert Giles and Ernestine Costella Lloyd. He spent his childhood in the loving care of his late grandparents, Roy Milford Giles and Nellie Collins Giles.  He was preceded in death by his son, Robert M. Giles, Jr., a brother, William A. Wainwright, and two sisters, Bernadine Wilson and Ernestine Giles.

Robert received his formal education in the Havre de Grace Public School System, and he spent his years of employment as a maintenance technician for several companies throughout the Havre de Grace and Aberdeen, Maryland region. Health conditions later led Robert to an early retirement in 2008.

Heeding the voice of the Holy Spirit, Robert was baptized on March 2, 1999 at Highway Holiness Church in Aberdeen, Maryland. He considered himself as one of God's soldiers, and he used his special gift as a bassist guitar player to worship God through music.  Robert was a member of the Gospel Travelers Band for eleven years and performed in various churches throughout the state of Maryland, where he was known as "Rob Bass".

In 2013, Robert and his loving wife, Shelby exchanged marital vows before God, family and friends. Led by the Holy Spirit, Robert and Shelby became members of Greater Harvest Baptist Church, and they were ordained as a deacon and deaconess on July 16, 2017.

In June 2014, Robert founded God's Finest Gospel, Jazz and Blues Band, where the group performed at many venues throughout the Hampton Roads area. Robert delighted himself in the Lord, and he looked forward to exalting God through his music ministry each Sunday.  He would practice for hours, because he understood that he would be playing for the Lord!

Robert had an infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor. Full of wisdom, Robert always said what he meant and meant what he said!  He was also known as a prayer warrior, because he believed in the power of prayer.  Robert counseled and prayed for many friends and family. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and offer support to others in his community, particularly children and those less fortunate. Robert continuously sought to uplift and edify others with undeniable grace.  He was a true evangelist!

His hobbies included fishing and crabbing, watching old westerns and horror movies, spending time with family, cooking soul food and country meals and caring for his dogs, Maximus and Sir Bentley. Robert was well-known for his impeccable taste in clothes. He enjoyed a signature collection of cowboy hats and boots, along with an array of the finest suits. Everyone knew when Robert had entered the room, because heads would surely turn!

He leaves to cherish his wonderful memory: his loving and devoted wife, Shelby A. Giles of Virginia Beach, VA; two daughters, Maia Saran Evans-El (Andre`), Baltimore, MD; India Ann Green, York, PA; three sisters, Veronica Ann Brown (Sylvester), Richmond, VA; Audrey Marie Bradshaw, Virginia Beach, VA; Barbara Ann Walsh, Perryville, MD; one sister-in-law, Sandy Wainwright, Charlestown, MD; one brother-in-law, Michael E. Gorham, Virginia Beach, VA; mother-in-law, Esther G. Whitley, Virginia Beach, VA; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.