Written by Odessa Mahan Purselley
J.W. was born in Sherman, Texas on February 9, 1919 to parents Joe and Etta Liles. They moved to Hood County to farm, and J.W. was raised to adulthood on the farm.
He married Christene Mahan in Granbury where they made their home and raised two sons. Before going to the service, J.W. was an automobile parts salesperson for Dub’s Station on the Granbury Square.
J.W. was inducted into the United States Army on December 8, 1942 in which he served with Company M, 334th Infantry. He received the rating of Staff Sergeant as Specialty Squad Leader for 14 months. As a Corporal, he was a Heavy Mortar Crewman for 19 months. His service was in the Ardennes Rhineland in central Europe until his discharge on February 5, 1946.
| J. W. Liles, Jr.1919 – 1993World War II Veteran Combat Infantryman BadgeEAME Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze StarsGood Conduct MedalDistinguished Unit BadgeWorld War II Victory Badge |
Upon his return home to Granbury, J.W. was employed by the Texas Highway Department until his retirement.
J.W.’s death occurred on October 30, 1993 and burial was in the Fairview Cemetery in Hood County, Texas.