Garia Giles Wilmer, born May 24, 1951, in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, to Gene Ivy Giles and Betty Doris Giles. She peacefully passed away on June 6, 2026, in Clearwater, Florida at the age of 75.
Garia was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Douglas Meffert Wilmer. She is survived by her children: Kim Zane, Roswell, GA and Shana DeLuca, Alpharetta, GA. Grandchildren: Kaelie Dodson, Kinsey Dodson and Emily DeLuca. Brothers Randy Giles (Debbie), Ponce Inlet, FL, Gene Giles (Keith Seabolt) Atlanta, GA, Niece Cristy Giles (Chris Jones), Parker, CO.
Uncle Ron Giles and Aunt Laura Giles, Rutherfordton, NC. Cousins Bill Giles (Kerry), Bob Giles, Debra Scoggins Yeager (Bruce), Gene Scoggins (Alice), and multiple cousins.
Bonus family, Brett Beattie and Julia Kim, Bill and Paula McLane, Sarah and Timothy Bryan, Mallory (preceded in death) and Sam Ortiz, Steve and Kim Huck, John and Elizabeth Diane Wills, and Linda Matthews along with many other dear friends from her time at Berkeley Lake, GA, Isle of Palms, SC, and Clearwater, FL.
Garia graduated from Towers High School where she was a member of the Drill Team in Dekalb County, GA and then Cosmetology School in Atlanta, GA. She co-owned Progressions Hair Salon, Sandy Springs, GA. Then later grew into a second career with Motorsports Media Productions producing Southern Race Week as a weekly televised show with Doug Wilmer. Upon moving to Isle of Palm, SC, Garia and Doug created MMG Productions, producing two historical documentaries winning the Telly Award and the Aurora Award. They continued to work in film productions with local government.
Garia along with her husband Doug created core memories for their kids and grandchildren at Isle of Palm, SC. Riding on the golf cart to the beach followed by a shrimp boil dinner, then stop for a drink by the VFW Post 3137, and then a music show at the Windjammer. This was a perfect day with Garia and Doug.
Her family and friends will carry her memory with deep affection and inspiration. Garia Giles Wilmer lived life passionately and in the moment. She often instigated the fun which is a tradition her loved ones will carry on in her memory. A life marked by love, passion and dedication, Garia’s presence touched all who knew her. She will always be loved and missed by her family and friends.
Garia Giles Wilmer is laid to rest at Bay Pines National Cemetery, FL, where she joins her dear husband, Douglas Meffert Wilmer (preceded in death), in eternal peace together forever.
To honor Garia’s memory, the family welcomes donations to Operation BBQ Relief https://volunteers.operationbbqrelief.org/donations/donate-now, where she served as a volunteer providing hot meals to communities hit by disaster to bring comfort to families and first responders.
4 Responses
Not a day goes by when I don’t think of Garia. I would text or call to see what was on the agenda for the day. Miss you my friend.
Garia will be missed by all the lives she touched.
Garia was so kind and a friend to everyone. She was one of first people to welcome us to Isle of Sand Key. Garia was an also a great local guide and knew the best spots, whether it was music, food or just fun. She was a beautiful lady and will be so missed.
We were so sad to hear of Garia’s passing. May she rest in peace.