Greg Iles Obituary-Death News; Greg Iles, 65, Best-Selling Natchez Author, Passes Away
The literary world and the tight-knit community of Natchez, Mississippi, are mourning the loss of Greg Iles, the revered best-selling novelist who passed away at age 65 on August 15, 2025.
Iles died after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer he had managed since 1996. (Mississippi Today, https://www.wlbt.com, Wikipedia) Born in Stuttgart, West Germany in 1960, Iles was raised in Natchez, the setting of many of his celebrated novels.
After graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1983, he initially pursued music—performing as a guitarist and singer—but later turned to writing, starting with his 1993 debut, Spandau Phoenix, which launched him into national acclaim. (Wikipedia, https://www.wlbt.com)
Over his prolific career, Iles published 17 bestselling novels and a novella, weaving gripping political thrillers, historical mysteries, and powerful narratives deeply rooted in Southern culture.
His most celebrated works include The Natchez Burning Trilogy—Natchez Burning, The Bone Tree, and Mississippi Blood—set against the backdrop of racial and social tensions.
His final novel, Southern Man (2024), stood as a testament to his talent and dedication, released after he postponed a stem cell transplant to complete the manuscript. (Wikipedia, https://www.wlbt.com, Ryan Steck’s The Real Book Spy)
Iles’s resilience shone through even amid personal adversity. In 2011, after a near-fatal car accident that led to the loss of his right leg below the knee, he continued writing throughout his recovery.
During that period, he crafted the Natchez Trilogy, a literary masterpiece rooted in his love for his hometown. (Mississippi Today, Wikipedia) Iles was deeply embedded in his community. He maintained close ties with Lemuria Bookstore, where he felt at home since childhood.
He played a pivotal role in promoting literacy and Southern literature through frequent events and active involvement in the Mississippi Book Festival. His passing prompted heartfelt mourning, including from Natchez’s mayor, Dan Gibson:
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of our beloved native son, Greg Iles… We will forever miss him.” (Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper, https://www.wlbt.com)
Iles was also known for his participation in the literary-musical group Rock Bottom Remainders, alongside authors like Stephen King, Dave Barry, and Amy Tan—blending his passions for storytelling and performance. (Wikipedia, Ryan Steck’s The Real Book Spy)
Despite his national success, Iles always remained humble—championing justice and connecting deeply with readers. Stephen King praised his final work, calling Southern Man “a genuinely terrifying book because of its plausibility” and commending its political resonance. (Ryan Steck’s The Real Book Spy)
Greg Iles is survived by his beloved wife, Caroline, and their four children. His life reminds us of the enduring power of storytelling, courage in adversity, and unwavering devotion to one’s roots and values.
