George Peter Pappas, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 after a long illness.

George was born on March 18, 1927 in Stenoma, Evrytania, Greece to Peter and Sperethoula Pappas. In June of 1951 he immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island and settled in Fayetteville, where he began working at the Manhattan Restaurant. He later ran the Royal Grill and then spent most of his business life as a co-owner of 301 Truck Stop Restaurant and eventually the Bar-B-Que Hut Restaurants. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. Mr. Pappas was known for his kind, humble, generous and loving spirit. He was admired by all who knew him. In his golden years his hobby was his family, and he cherished them, while they adored him.

He was a lifelong member of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, and was instrumental in the financing and construction of the church sanctuary. Mr. Pappas was also a 50 year plus member of the Order of AHEPA, and founding member of the Velouchi Organization, where he served as Treasurer for over fifteen years. At various points in his life he served on the church parish council. He was a man of strong faith and loved helping with the Greek Festival, church spaghetti dinners, and other community fundraisers and activities.

Mr. Pappas was preceded in death by his sister, Presbytera Daphnula Kalevas and brother-in-law, Via Pappas.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Margaret B. Pappas, three children, son Bill Pappas and wife Debbie of Raleigh, son Peter Pappas and Dr. Mary John Baxley of Greensboro, and daughter Sperethoula (Lula) Griffin and husband Dan of Fayetteville; five grandchildren Marianna P. Whitson and husband Micah of Belmont, MA, Caroline P. McCall and husband Lathan of Brooklyn, NY, George William Pappas of Los Angeles, CA, and Daniel and Margaret Griffin of Fayetteville; and great granddaughter, Annie Whitson. Mr. Pappas is also survived by his sisters, Vasiliki Pappas of Stenoma, Greece, Aristea Demas and husband Leonidas and Aliki Neilas and husband Dino of Karpenisi, Greece, Eleftheria Skenteris and husband George of Fayetteville; brothers Bill Pappas and wife Maria of Fayetteville, Tommy Pappas and wife Lucy of Charlotte; and brother-in-law Rev. Father Chrysostomos Kalevas of Stenoma, Greece; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Friday, February 12, 2016, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the Trisagion service at 7 p.m. at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Funeral services for Mr. Pappas will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church with the Rev. Father Alex Papagikos and the Rev. Father George P. Vlachos officiating. Internment will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park, 2301 Ramsey Street.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to brother-in-law and sister, George and Helen P. Dais for their devotion and loving care of the Pappas family over the years, as well as the many caregivers including Angela Carter, Dee McNeal, and Tony Treat who were always kind and faithful. Thank you also to the caregivers at Whispering Pines and Healthkeepers Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 614 Oakridge Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28305.