Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Nicholas Spillios Obituary
Nicholas George Spillios, , 79, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 in Missouri City, Texas, his home for 33 years. Nick was born on December 18, 1931 in Houston, Texas to George and Vasiliki Spillios, both natives of Greece.
Nick graduated from Houston Lamar High School, where he excelled in football and, more notably, in track and field, where he threw the shot put and discus. He started weight lifting in the 7th grade and was later tapped for a screen test with Howard Hughes by Glenn McCarthy based on his physique and good looks. While in high school, he broke the City of Houston shot put record that had been standing for 15 years. Upon graduating from Lamar, he attended the University of Houston on a track and field scholarship. He continued to excel in track and field, winning the Missouri Valley Conference Shot Put and Discus Championship three years in a row. In 2007, he was inducted into the Missouri Valley Conference All Century Track and Field Team (1907 ? 2007).
While at the University of Houston he met his wife of 56 years, the late Claudine Bethune. Upon graduation from U of H, Nick began his first career as a teacher and coach. He expanded into professional wrestling, hiring Cyclone Anaya as his trainer. When the Jesse Jones High School cheerleaders, band, pep squad and students showed up to support their teacher/coach, Friday night wrestling with Paul Boech was never the same.
In 1969, Nick and Claudine founded Southwest Exterminating and grew it into one of the most prominent pest control companies in the greater Houston area. In addition to his family and friends, he loved hunting, fishing and listening to rhythm and blues music.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife , Claudine Bethune Spillios and his son, Steve Andrew Spillios. He is survived by his son, Nicholas George Spillios, Jr. and wife Susan, daughter Toni Spillios, and daughter-in-law Shelley Spillios. His grandchildren include Nick III, Phillip, Emma, Heather, Holly, Hannah and Andrew Spillios and Mary Kelly and husband Chris and great grandchild Teagan Kelly.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 5th at Forest Park Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale. Honorary pallbearers include Rudy Spitzenberger, Charlie Olson, Elton Cotton, Yank Arnold, John Talley, and Nick Spillios III. A reception will follow at the home of Nick and Susan Spillios.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Spillios
Michael H Holmes
August 15, 2024
I had Mr. Spillios for driving education at Jones High School in 1969. I remember him. He was a cool guy. He would tell me to pull into the cleaners and he would pickup his clothes. I had fun driving with him.
Joe Russo
January 27, 2019
I remember Nick as a good guy, athlete, when we were at Lamar. Always smiling and fun.
Mary Ann Sterling
February 24, 2011
I 'm so sorry to hear of Nick's passing. We were childhood friends growing up in the Greek Orthodox Church community. I found out too late to attend the service...I would loved to have met Nick's family. I knew his parents but never had the pleasure of meeting Claudine or the boys. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Spillios family. Nick will be missed but be assured that he is definitely in a good and happy place.
Micheline Ford
February 10, 2011
My sister and I have forgotten most of the teachers and all of the administrators at JHJ, but Mr. Spillios is a memory we will treasure forever.
We feel blessed to have known him.
Greg Hackney
February 7, 2011
Thank you Nick for demonstrating on me what a "real" headlock is like (yow), for teaching me how to drive a car correctly, and for the memory of taking a rare turn at bat, and hitting the softball so hard, it literally broke the ball into little pieces in mid-air. (at Jesse Jones).
anthony smith
February 7, 2011
1 Thessalonians 4:13:
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him..........This man will be miss, i work for him 4 years we spent lots of time talking and work around the shop, my prayer r with the family. Rev. Anthony smith
February 6, 2011
Nick,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked for Claudine and Nick at Southwest Exterminating about 10 years ago. They were wonderful people and I am sorry for your loss of both of them. I am praying for all of the Spillios family.
In my prayers,
Jackie Tyllick
Seita Coleman
February 5, 2011
Coach Spillios was an inspiration to all JHJ students whether we had his class or not. He coached my brother, Bill (class of '61), and was a friend/former student of our Dad, Jack Rhodes. Coach attended our 45th reunion and told several stories we'd never heard. Thanks for the memories. You are all in my prayers.
Seita Rhodes Coleman Class of '63
B. J. Provenzano
February 5, 2011
I met Nick at the YMCA when I was about 15 years old and he was a mentor to me in weightlifting. I remember his great sense of humor and the good times we shared during a friendship of many years. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Ed Wallison
February 5, 2011
What a tremendous loss. I first met Nick back in the mid 80's. He was one of the most interesting people I have ever known. He told great sports stories, especially from his days in the wrestling ring. I also was very impressed by his honesty and the deep love he had for his family.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Julie Baker
February 4, 2011
My friend, Lee and I took Driver's Ed from your father in about 1961! He "terrified" us with his size, deep voice and career...professional wrestling! However, we soon realized that we probably had the best driving teacher ever as we cruised around parking lots in a yellow, un-airconditioned panel truck..stick shift, of course...practicing mainly parallel parking until the cows came home..I was not quite 15 years of age..well, many years later it is safe to say that there are at least two women out there who can parallel park any where..My husband of 40 years continues to be amazed..Blessings and condolences to your entire family...I know he will be deeply missed.
Austine Filla
February 4, 2011
I have lived next to Nick for over 30 years. I hope the love and support of many friends helps the Spillios family with their tremendous loss.
David Chance
February 3, 2011
Coach Spillios was a great coach. Quiet and unassuming, he required a lot of you. I was privileged enough to take Driver's ed. from him at Jones along with coach Marks. Seems like in first period we always wound up at the old Belfort shopping center eating breakfast. Most of us jocks knew how to drive anyway. What a wonderful experience.
February 3, 2011
Nick was a coach of mine at Burbank Junior High. As a athlete I always admired the way he could kick a football. He was good to us kids at the time and we all admired him.
Raymond Godeke
February 3, 2011
Coach Spillios was special. He expected a lot but gave even more. A little expereince that Coach did not think was humourous---Rick Palombi and I went out to the Lamar Relays to participate in the Shot Put and Discus (Rick in Shot, me in Discus). Well, on the way we stopped and Rick purchased a six pack of Mickey's Malt Liqour. We finished it by the time we arrived. When Rick got up and stepped into the ring to put his shot, he leaned forward in perfect form and fell flat on his face! I on the other hand launced a great Discus throw---right into a crowd on the sidelines (this according Rick, I don't recall!!! Maybe Mack Masters recalls, he probably won the Discus)
Thanks, Coach for not pounding us that day and thank you even more for the difference you made in my life.
JHJ Class of 1965
John/Shirley Talley
February 2, 2011
We are saddened to read of the death of our friend, Nick, whose life we have shared for many years. We could always count on him for a good joke and an upbeat, positive attitude. We will cherish the memories and pray that the family will be comforted by the thoughts of those who loved Nick. With deepest sympathy, John and Shirley Talley
February 2, 2011
I knew Nick at Lamar and he was a really good guy.
God Bless him and his family
Joe Russo
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Nicholas Spillios's name
Memorial Events
for Nicholas Spillios
How to support Nicholas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Nicholas Spillios's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
