Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

After serving about a gazillion people desserts at the Sheriff's Soup Tastin', I stepped outside for a quick break. I sat at a picnic table and watched the little Godbee, little Taylor, and the little Jiles. They had a target made out of cardboard and they were taking turns throwing rocks. Boy, was it competitive! Matthew studied his target, wound up and let it rip! He's got a mean arm on him, Lt. Watching him made me think of your smiling face and I could hear you saying, "Life is good". I will always remember and cherish hearing you say that with that big ole smile. RIP Lt, we miss you.

Anonymous

April 28, 2010

I didn't know about this site until this morning. I read all the messages and wanted to add mine. Ricky introduced me to you in Garn's Gym when you got out of the military. I immediately arm wrestled you and lost. We became great friends and I enjoyed being around you. I want to share a story about your sense of humor. Four of us attended Capt. Kitchens' (D'ville) funeral and, at the grave site, we were standing in the very back of the crowd. Talking had stopped and there was a long silence. We knew they were preparing the 21 gun salute but a short lady in front of us didn't. She was up on her tippy toes trying to see what was going on when the first shots rang out. She yelled, jumped and almost went over the people in front of her. We tried to remain dignified but you were laughing so hard you were crying. You turned around to face the woods but the noises you were making, but trying to suppress, sounded like you were crying. The folks in front of us turned around and looked at you. I told them, "they were very close". They thought you were crying uncontrollably and just smiled. Your face was so red and Thank God you had a handkerchief or something to wipe your face. It was all Ricky and I could do to keep from breaking out in laughter watching you. After we got in the car and started back, we all agreed that whenever we died, we wanted people to laugh at the funeral. They did at yours, thanks to Terry, Ricky and your nephew. They did such a great job and I never had a chance to see them and tell them. I was wondering if Ricky remembered that when he was on the podium. I hope he did. I appreciate you and Ricky for always being my friends and always treating me so well. By the way, thanks for finally letting me beat you arm wrestlin! I have a lot more funny stories about you that I share frequently, but I just wanted to make someone else laugh about this story. I hope they did. Maybe some day, I will meet your wife and children. If I do, I'll share with them. Oh, yeah... Why didn't you smile in this picture? You were always grinnin'!

A Friend
GSP

March 26, 2010

Lt. We loss another one of our finest yesterday but I know he is celebrating with a big smile this morning getting to see you and "hotdog" again. We miss you all so much!!

Inv. Telisha Gibson
Carroll County Sheriff's Office

February 13, 2010

Billy,
I actually meant to leave a reflection on your birthday, but got busy with work and never got to it. It's hard to believe it's been 7 years. I wish you could see Anderson. He's growing up and I think of all the things I had hoped that he and I could do with you and Matthew. I tell him all along about how much fun it would have been for him to know "uncle Billy". Angie and I keep in touch with Holly and the kids all along.
Angie and I are trying to buy a new house. Wish you were here to enjoy the fun of moving.
We miss you more every day, but look forward to the day we'll meet again.

Kevin Bradley
Cousin and Friend

November 12, 2009

Bubba. Everyday I think of you. You have always been my hero and always will be. I met an officer the other day who said that you were his LT. Those officers have so much respect for you. Still to this day they cherish you. I look at your picture and I can see myself in you. I try day after day to live up to your standards. I promise 908 will never be forgotten. I love you bubba...Tell Granny and Granddaddy I said hello and I love em..

Brent Herrin

October 31, 2009

Happy Birthday! Wish you were here with us all! We miss you at the office and think of you often.

Anonymous

October 29, 2009

Billy,
I can't believe is has been 7 years since you left us. Haleigh and Cory are Juniors at Bremen. She is a beautiful girl. I get a chance to see her every now and then. We have had some sorrow at DCSO this past year. I know that you have been up in heaven on the welcoming committee for those who have gone home. Butch is the latest to leave us. He always talked about your professionalism. Keep watch over us. I think of you when I notice I am holding my coffee mug in my gun hand. I remember you getting on to me and I switch it to the other hand. Funny, what you remember.

Inv. Cindy West
Douglas County SO

September 14, 2009

We miss you! Another year gone and still seems like yesterday.
Heroes Live Forever 908

Investigator Telisha Gibson
Carroll County Sheriff's Office

September 6, 2009

7 years today. Will the pain ever stop. You are one of the finest men to ever wear the badge. You would be so proud of your children. I have had the pleasure of being around them on several occassions and they are both great kids. You can tell that you keep your hand on their shoulders at all times. It is so sad that your family has to deal with such a loss.

God Speed.

Anonymous

September 3, 2009

Just thinking about you today.

Russell Grizzard
Carroll County Sheriff's Office

September 3, 2009

We were talking about you today at lunch and remembering you. We all miss you greatly.

Anonymous

September 2, 2009

Wish you were here. Matthew turns 11 today. You would be so proud of him. You are his hero. He can't hear enough about you. You were the best Dad ever, Haleigh and I make sure that Matthew knows how much you loved him. Watch over us and keep us safe.

Love,
Holly
"Heroes Live Forever 908"

HOLLY JILES
SPOUSE

August 27, 2009

While reviewing your memorial today I noticed that we share the same badge number. Godspeed.

TFC 908
GSP

June 21, 2009

Happy Birthday 908!!!

Anonymous

October 30, 2008

May Godbless your eternal spirit a HERO's spirit!

citizen of Ga. steven W. Leak
my only relation is Carroll Co. my & my Father,and his birthplace

October 14, 2008

To Lt. Billy Rat Jiles and all his loved ones:


Lt., you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Billy Ray. Your memory is honored and revered today, the sixth anniverdary of your death, and everyday.


Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

September 3, 2008

Lt. I was just reading all the reflections that people have left in memory of you. It is truly awesome to see how many lives that you touched while here on earth. I will never forget the night that you left us. It still haunts me about how the events unfolded. I had the opportunity to sit at the table with Holly and Haleigh at the Carroll County Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner the other night. I was proud of them as they presented your award. I've never talked to Holly about that night, but you know that Richard #936 and I did all we could. I ask that you look over us as we still patrol. We all miss you. Rest in Peace My Brother !

TFC John E. Hutcheson #756
Georgia State Patrol

July 2, 2008

it's been a long time brother...i can't tell you how much i've missed you over the years... i still talk to you as if your here beside me asking what you would do in these situations... Billy you saved my life a long time ago...i wished i could have done the same for you...i can not express how much you are missed...i have a son now and i tell him stories of brave uncle Billy....i wished he could have met you in this lifetime...what i would give to just give you a hug and tell you how much you are missed by us...farewell brother...may the day come that we will meet and embrace... my thoughts and prayers are always with Holly and your beautiful children...im sorry i never had the chance to meet them..

"Heros do always live forever" #908

" Max " Davis
Old Old Friend

May 25, 2008

Billy this night made me think of you as well as Blake, it had been 3 years sence his EOW and over 5 years for yours, and I know that Holly and the children still miss you, I know I do, if I could I would love to just sit and talk to you and ask you for advise on how to raise my daughter, but I would have plenty of questions brother.
God bless you, Holly and your beautiful children.

Deputy Sheriff David Jameson
Douglas County Sheriffs Office, Ga

February 24, 2008

Billy, Its been 5 years now since that awful night that I pulled infront of your patrol car and rushed to you. I wish I could have gotten there sooner. I wish CPR efforts would have been successful. I still have many unanswered questions. I know that it was GOD'S will that night and I know that GOD will answer my questions one day.I want you to know that your memory rides with me on every shift. We all miss you Lt. but I know I'll see you again one day. Until that day, watch over us. My prayers for Holly and the Kids.

TFC John E. Hutcheson #756
Georgia State Patrol

February 21, 2008

Hey Lt. I saw Haleigh tonight at the movies while working. I shook her date's hand real hard and gave him a woop ass look for you. She is you with long hair but ive got to say much prettier. Miss you man. Chad

Deputy Chad Sheriff
Carroll SO

February 8, 2008

Another holiday season without you. You are always in our hearts. We love you.

November 20, 2007

Billy it is so hard to believe that it has been over 5 years now. So much has happened in that time, it would take to long to cover it here, but I believe you watch over us all. To Holly, Haliegh and Mathew may god always be with you, Love David Jameson.

Deputy David Jameson
Douglas County Sheriffs Office, GA

November 7, 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! We sang happy birthday to you on the way to school this morning. You are still in our hearts. Not a day goes by that we don't think of you and miss you more than ever.

We love you,
Holly, Haleigh, & Matthew

Holly, Haleigh, & Matthew

October 30, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 8, 2007