Charles Kamburis

1936 - 2020

Charles Kamburis

Montgomery - Charles Antonio Kamburis, a.k.a. "Charlie K." beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, God-father and friend, like so many good souls before him, left this world too soon on the late evening of December 6th. He was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Irene Kamburis, brothers John and Michael Kamburis and sister Anna Kamburis. He is survived by his loving wife Harriette Stevens Kamburis; children Maria K. (Jeff) Owen, Renee' K. (Stuart) Adam and Charles Anthony Kamburis, Jr. and siblings Danny A. Kamburis and Maria A. Kamburis. His grandchildren include Christina Plumides, Caroline Plumides, Sophia Adam, Harriette Adam, Pamela S. Adam, Gavin Owen and Gabby Owen. He was born in Montgomery, AL to his Greek immigrant parents, Tony and Irene, and was raised in the Capital Heights neighborhood. He was the first graduate of Robert E. Lee High school in 1956. After graduation, he and his three best friends enlisted in the Navy where they spent an adventurous four years on the high seas traveling Europe on mine sweeper 431 out of Charleston, SC. He spoke so highly of his Navy days, his love of his country and was a true patriot. Time spent in the Navy was the highlight of his youth until he met the love of his life, Harriette Stevens from Birmingham, AL. They were married for 56 years and had three children, seven grandchildren and was the sweet, loving, soft spoken, kind hearted "rock" of the family. His genuine love of his family, friends, Greek heritage, dancing, and laughing made his partnering with Harriette a perfect match! To a fault, he was always concerned with everyone else's needs. Reminiscing on many stories about him, one comes to mind in particular. He had spoken all our youth about his Navy "ship" and all the adventures and ports he visited... most favorably, Copenhagen. That was the one place on his "bucket list" he often spoke of returning to with Harriette. After many years and many stories about his Navy days, the opportunity came for our family to travel to Charleston where we would pay a visit to his Navy yard and see the famous mine sweeper 431. Excitement was felt in our family car as we pulled in to the base. As we approached his former ship, he was overcome with emotion and excitement. The rest of our family sat in shock as we walked up to sweeper 431 to see what he had described all our lives an image of an air craft carrier often seen in military movies like Top Gun. Our eyes, however, fell upon this tiny little mine sweeper that we all said we wouldn't want to cross a river in, much less an ocean. And that is exactly how Charlie viewed life... the best version of itself no matter what. He lived his life this way with rose colored glasses and always a glass half full. Perhaps that is why he could fall into a peaceful nap in less than a minute. He was at peace with the world. After four years in the Navy, Charles returned to Montgomery, AL at the request of his father to begin what would be a 54 1/2 year career with Bradley Plumbing and Heating Co. He began as a bookkeeper under the original owner, Mr. Theron Bradley, and proceeded to become a principal owner running the service department in the capacity of Secretary and Treasurer until he retired. He served as president of his Church community, AHEPA Chapter president, and helped organize and cook most of his life for the Annual Greek Orthodox Labor Day BBQ (a Montgomery novelty). He also served as president of AGC. Charlie loved people, never met a stranger, and put his family, church and friends that he loved so dearly first. His was a man of wealth beyond monetary means, loved the Lord and was His servant through his actions of kindness to strangers. He was a true Greek-Southern gentleman, an astute businessman and family man to the end. He will be greatly missed! Arrangements feature: a Public Drive by Visitation at Leak Memory Chapel on Friday, Dec. 11 from 11:00 - 1:00 pm., a family only Funeral Service on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 10:00 am followed by a Public Graveside at Greenwood Cemetery. Live stream of funeral service available through Leak Memory Chapel Facebook page. In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1721 Mount Meigs Rd., Montgomery, AL 36107. Pallbearers will include Stuart Adam, Jeff Owen, Tony Millerakis, Michael Kamburis, Tom Stevens and Anthony Kamburis. Online condolences may be shared at: www.Leak-MC.com.