REST IN PEACE DAVID CHILES

MR magazine is saddened to report the passing of David Chiles, a highly respected menswear rep for many decades. According to his good friend Hal Jensen, “Dave had a stroke seven years ago and had not been working since. He passed away peacefully on November 15 in North Carolina, surrounded by his family. He was 80 years old and truly beloved by all.”  Says another good friend, retailer David Levy from Levy’s in Nashville, “Dave was one of the most loyal, kind, and classy multi-line reps in the business who always went above and beyond for his client stores.” 

Jensen, who had a house near Dave’s in the mountains of North Carolina, could not speak highly enough about his best friend. “Everyone in the Southeast loved him. He was a true gentleman: always dressed to the nines; often racing his Morgan. Genuine to a fault, if he told you something, you could take it to the bank. What’s so frustrating to me about his passing is that he was so careful about his health: while I’d be eating greasy cheeseburgers, he would dine on salads…” 

Retailer Steve Ashworth, also from North Carolina, was another good friend. “David was a true gentleman: kind and thoughtful and always impeccably appointed. He had a knack for discovering tasteful lines and products geared to better men’s specialty stores. Always upbeat and happy to serve, Dave will be greatly missed.” Adds John Coffman from Coffman’s in Greenville, “David was always the consummate professional. He loved this business and everything about it. He will be missed.” 

Retailer Nick Hilton in Princeton New Jersey was a close friend. “You don’t meet too many guys in our industry like David Chiles. Guys who love what they do in every aspect, from the products they sell to the people they sell them to. David Chiles was such a guy.  

“We got teamed up in the late ‘90s and after that gig fell through, David sold my stuff to his bunch of great retailers in the southeast. We traveled around a lot: I visited his home in Jamestown and became friends with his wife, Sarah; together we spent literally hundreds of hours driving around, swapping stories and industry news. 

“I learned a lot from David. I learned about his products and how they were made and why he had such respect for the people who made them. But what I remember best and what I value most is how David treated and felt about his customers. He was gracious even when he got turned down. He got hefty orders without using any pressure. He spoke eloquently of the quality and value of a product, and he did the little things too. Sent thank you notes. Did favors. Remembered all the store staff’s names. David was a Southern Gentleman in every sense of the word. I miss him.” 

According to his official obituary, David Chiles was born in Knoxville, TN, and lived most of his life in High Point, NC. Summers were spent in Little Switzerland, NC, where he served as president of the neighborhood association. He was also active in the Men’s Apparel Club of the Carolinas, Inc., and served as vice president. As an active member of the Triad Sports Car Club and the Morgan Sports Car Club, David loved planning weekend get-togethers in the mountains and driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. He enjoyed racing in the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association for many years and drove his Morgan to many victories. 

David is survived by his wife Sarah, daughters Angela Kemper (David) and Melissa Freeman (Doyle), and one sister, Dixie Burns (Dan). He adored his five grandchildren: Nick Freeman (Brittany), Brynn Freeman, Collin Kemper (Lidia), Paige Kemper, Cara Freeman; his great-grandson, Declan Freeman; and his many cousins, nephews, and nieces. Memorials can be directed to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262   Online condolences may be made to www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com.