Tommy I. Arakas

1925 - 2014

Tommy I. Arakas

Asheville - Tommy Arakas, 89, passed away, Tuesday, November 18, 2014 and had a life filled with a loving family and many, many friends. Tommy was born to Mary and Isidoros Arakas on March 12, 1925, and was raised in Biltmore. He graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School before joining the US Navy during World War II. He met his beautiful wife, Catherine, while stationed in Norfolk, VA and they wed the next year. When his father became ill, Tommy took over the Plaza Café in Biltmore village and thus began a long career as a restaurateur He co-owned and operated with his cousin, John Xenakis, Wink's Drive In on Tunnel Road. Following Winks, he operated Rak's Airport Restaurant for over two decades, and after his retirement, he operated Rak's Downtown Café. While continuing to operate his restaurant, he and his long time friends, the Zourzoukis brothers, founded Asheville Catering Service and served the greater Asheville community.

Tommy had a generous heart and worked tirelessly through a variety of organizations to give back to those in need. Tommy was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Biltmore Masonic Lodge as well as a member of several service clubs including the Land of the Sky Shriners, the Elks, the Lions, and AHEPA. He was the past president of the Asheville Shrine Club and the first president of the Land of the Sky Shrine Club. The Shrine club kitchen bears his name for his many years of service to that organization. He proudly and humbly served as Potentate of Oasis Temple in 1987. He was also a member of the Country Club of Asheville for many years and loved playing golf with his Bandits.

Tommy was married for 68 years and had 3 children: Mary Arakas Chakales (John, deceased), Tommy Arakas (Sue) and Drucie Arakas Papafil (Ted). Tommy was adored and respected by his seven grandchildren, Catherine Chakales Dreessen (e. Gabriel), Stamati Arakas (Cyndi), Katina Arakas Kenyon (Scott), Kyra Papafil Poulos (Sam), Paige Chakales Nikopoulos (Sam), Elizabeth Papafil Miller (David) and Nico Papafil (e. Marina) and delighted in playing with his ten great-grandchildren.

A dedicated member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Tommy was a living example of his faith and served his church in countless capacities including president of the Parish Council. He was a pillar of the Holy Trinity parish and was a role model to many throughout his life.

Tommy was blessed with the richness that a loving family and many wonderful friends bring to a person's life. He will be greatly missed by so many who knew him and loved him.

A trisagion service will be held 7:00 PM, Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 227 Cumberland Street. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, November 21 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Father Michael Diavatis will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at Riverside Cemetery.

His family would like to thank all of the wonderful people from CarePartners and the Golden Living Center who provided him with excellent care during these last months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 8369, Asheville, NC, 28814 or to Shriner's Hospitals, c/o Oasis Temple, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC, 28262.

Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com.