George Gavrilis

1931 - 2023

George Gavrilis
December 4, 1931 - September 1, 2023
Charlotte, North Carolina - George Gavrilis, age 91, of Charlotte, NC quietly fell asleep in the Lord among loving family. George was born in the beautiful mountains of Megalo Chorio, Evrytania, Greece (often referred to as Little Switzerland) to Eleni and Konstantinos Gavrilis. Surviving both WWII and the Greek Civil War, he was a child of war with only a 2nd grade education. However, George had a thirst for life, was a hard worker and enjoyed learning from others. At the young age of 13 George left home and joined his brother Vasilis in Athens where he learned the trade of jeweler. Having saved enough money, George boarded a ship and made his way to Ellis Island for his chance to live the American Dream. In 1953 George settled in Charlotte, NC where he called home for the next 70 years.
He was first and foremost dedicated to his family (his wife Nina and three daughters) and his local church (Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral). He and his wife were also founding members of the Panagia Prousiotisa church in Gavros (Evrytania) and they helped support several other churches in Greece. George also learned and mastered the iconic recipes of southern cuisine and eventually opened Cosmos Steak House until they sold the business in 1982. Not ready to retire, he worked at Sunrise Restaurant which became his second family. George was always a most loyal friend and had a great sense of humor. He was self-effacing and had great empathy for people and animals. He also had a great love of sports (UNC and Panthers) along with dancing; especially the improvisational Greek Tsamiko and the American classic Fox Trot, Shag & Cha Cha. During his last day he was talking about the next dance and was looking forward to a heated rivalry with his grandchildren about the next football game.
George is survived by daughters Laina, Maria and Eva; son-in-law Constantine; grandchildren Perry, Nina, Michaela, Nicholas and Aleydis, along with their spouses Erin, Will, Nathan, Christie and Jenna and ten great grandchildren Ava, Lunete, Zeke, Lysandros, Demosthenes, Addison, Theodore, Briseis, Noah and Amelia. He is now at peace with the Lord and his loving wife Nina (whom he missed very much), his brothers Vasili and Pete, sisters Hariklia and Sophia, along with his parents and other family and friends who preceded him.
Funeral services were held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203, on September 11, 2023, with the Visitation at 9:30am and the Funeral at 10:30am. Burial will be held in Evergreen Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203/
Memorial donations may be made in George's memory to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Ministry Programs.
Online condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.