Basil "Bill" Agapion

1926 - 2024

Agapion, Basil "Bill"

February 14, 1926 - February 25, 2024

Attorney Basil "Bill" Agapion, 98, was received into the arms of Christ the Savior, on Sunday, February 25, 2024, in his sleep. He was adored by his family with an enviable, superhero-like, admiration for his unwaveringly strong, stable dedication to them. In exact accordance with Galatians 5:22-23, he was "loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-disciplined", embodying all the Fruits of The Holy Spirit. Consistently considerate, caring, and conscientious, he always put others first.

Although he achieved great success, he humbly, shunned the spotlight. He was a quiet, reserved confident leader, who strived for shockingly selfless simplicity. He had a heart of gold. Always positive and profoundly grateful, for even the smallest thing, he was aware of his blessings. He never argued or even displayed anger, ever conscious that God was his vindicator.

He loved sports, music, humor and real estate, dearly. A willing hard worker, at age eight, he'd ride his bike to lovingly lend his father, "Pop", Agapios Agapion, a hand at Bill's Grill. He was extremely intelligent and goal-oriented, a natural leader. An eternal optimist, he taught "the problem already happened, let's focus on the solution", demonstrating that rapid acceptance was the only way to maintain strength and stability.

He adored his mother, Helen Theodore Agapion,, a Greek school teacher, who instilled a firm dedication to Christ and education. He would enthusiastically begin each day, with gratitude and positivity. Regardless of the weather, he'd declare anew with a twinkle in his eye, and sincere smile, "It's a beautiful day!"

He was athletic and played quarterback until his Mom insisted he stop, fearing he'd be injured. After her reluctant approval, he began boxing. He would reflect fondly on listening to famous bouts with his Pop, on the radio.

When he graduated Greensboro Senior High, he went to The Citadel, and entered The U.S. Army, as an officer, finally achieving the rank of Lieutenant. In 1943, he was sent to The Philippines, where he served two years ground combat, and sustained severe injuries that he later attributed to sparing his life. His dedication, responsibility, and bravery earned him several honorable commendations and an impressive, three Purple Hearts.

After his honorable discharge in 1947, he returned to UNC and was able to graduate in 1947, with his same classmates he started with in 1943, and amazed professors! In 1952, he graduated UNC School of Law, and became NC's first Greek-American lawyer, alongside his lifelong friend, the legendary Kenneth Lee, NC's first black lawyer. Bill began his practice. A few years later, his brother Steve, joined him as a partner.

He spoke Greek, English, Spanish and made it a point to learn some conversational Tagalog, Polish, Japanese, Arabic, Italian Farsi, and more, saying "language is the key to making people feel welcome and happy!"

He stayed abreast of current events and in 1966, he purchased the jewel of downtown Greensboro, The King Cotton Hotel, which hosted A-listers like Elvis, The Three Stooges, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Its 13 floors were occupied on three, by white college students, full time. Due to its proximity to NCA&TSU, he called and invited the historically black college students to reside there. This created the first racially integrated housing structure in the southeast and made him a pioneer of The Civil Rights movement. The story made national news and spurred a tidal wave of controversy, years before Federal Fair Housing Laws existed.

At The Dormition of The Theotokos, a Greek Orthodox church, founded in part, by his father, he met Sophia Sitaras, the daughter of the Rev. Nicholas Sltaras. In 1968, the two were married. Together, they built a loving and welcoming home where family and friends gathered. He would say that it "wasn't her movie star good looks that enamored me of her, but her unparalleled good heart". They had five chldren, Irene, Dena, Nectarios (1973-1973), Basil and Emanuel and grandchildren, Julian Putnam, Constantina "Nina" Palamaris, Sophia Palamaris, lliana Psatha, Dominik Agapion, and one great grandchild, Vincent Putnam. He also loved his step-grandchildren and sons and daughter in laws, dearly.

The family will receive guests at Forbis&Dick, North Elm Chapel, Mon. Mar. 4th from 6 to 8 p.m. and funeral will be Tues., Mar 5th, at 12:30 p.m. at the Dormition of The Theotokos, 800 Westridge Rd, Greensboro, NC, where in his honor, memorial contributions can be made, in lieu of flowers.

Forbis & Dick Funeral Service, Inc.

1118 N. Elm Street