Howard (Howdy) Cameron Giles, Jr. passed away on February 3, 2026 at the age of 84, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in 1942, Howdy was the oldest of two children born to Howard and Mary Giles. A native of Wallingford, Pennsylvania, he grew up with the steady, grounded values that shaped everything he later became: a loyal friend, a trusted dentist, a loving husband and father, and a man whose enthusiasm for life was as genuine as it was contagious. As a boy, Howdy was an accomplished swimmer and competed on the Nether Providence High School swim team. He later swam at the University of Delaware, where he met the love of his life, Carolyn—his Sig Ep sweetheart. They were married for 57 years, sharing a life filled with adventure, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Together they raised their daughters, Robin and Julie, in Wilmington, Delaware, building a family life rich with travel, skiing, and many memorable golf trips. Carolyn’s passing in 2021 was a profound loss, yet Howdy carried her spirit with him in every memory, every story, and every moment spent with their cherished grandchildren.
After graduating from the University of Delaware, Howdy attended dental school at Temple University. Following dental school, he served in the U.S. Navy as a resident dentist aboard ships in San Diego, California, and New London, Connecticut. In 1970, he moved to Wilmington, where he and Carolyn planted their roots. In 1975, along with three partners, he founded Dental Associates of Delaware, which ultimately expanded to multiple offices throughout the state. For more than four decades, he cared for generations of families with a gentle hand and a warm, easygoing presence. His patients knew him not just as their dentist, but as someone who remembered their stories and treated them with the same kindness he showed everyone in his life. He retired in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, compassion, and trust.
Beyond dentistry, Howdy’s life took on a remarkable dimension through his friendship with golf legend Arnold Palmer. What began in 1962 as a spark of inspiration—seeing Palmer on television—grew into a lifelong bond. Howdy became one of the most devoted members of “Arnie’s Army,” eventually forming a personal friendship with Palmer that spanned decades, countless tournaments, and innumerable shared memories, as documented in the book he had published titled “The King and I”.
Howdy had many passions. Golf was a huge part of his life, and he enjoyed being a member of Wilmington Country Club, Pine Valley Golf Club, Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Latrobe Country Club and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, Scotland. Another lifelong love was photography; he quite literally took millions of photos and never went anywhere without his camera. He was an avid sports fan—an Eagles season ticket holder for more than 50 years and a devoted Phillies fan. He served as a U.S.G.A. Rules Official and traveled the country officiating at U.S. Opens, U.S. Senior Opens, and U.S.G.A. Junior Amateur Championships. He was also an enthusiastic member of the U.S. Seniors’ Golf Association and the Fairway Club, where he formed many of his lifelong friendships.
In his later years, Howdy remained active, vibrant, and deeply connected to the people and places he loved. He continued to spend winters in Orlando, enjoying time with friends at Bay Hill. He recently moved to The Country House in Wilmington, where he met new friends and reconnected with old ones. He continued to play golf once or twice a week and still found joy in the game that had shaped so much of his life.
To remember Howdy is to remember a man who lived fully and generously—a man who cherished friendship, treated others with kindness, adored his family, and found profound joy in capturing moments through a camera lens. He pursued his passions wholeheartedly and loved telling stories. His spirit lives on in every story shared, every photograph cherished, and every round of golf played with a smile. Above all, Howdy loved being “PopPop” to his grandchildren, rarely missing a swim meet, a game, a milestone, or a chance to cheer them on.
Howdy is survived by his children, Robin Elliott (David) and Julie Kelly (Matt), and his four adored grandchildren: Giles, Cameron, Luke, and Lindsay. He was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn; his parents; and his sister, Judy.
Condolences
Thank You
Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.