Michael Stathakis

Michael Tom Stathakis, 84, husband of Diana Athanason Stathakis, died October 27, 2006.

Born in Honea Path, S.C., on December 18, 1921, he was a son of the late Thomas and Pansy Stathakis, who were from Arahova, Sparta, Greece.

Mike served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a staff sergeant in the European Theater of Operations, landing on Normandy Beach on D-Day with 52 other soldiers in his platoon. He received six battle stars and five unit commendations.

In his later years, he was known as Papa Stax by many of his dear friends that he made at Brighton Gardens. He never forgot a face and never ever forgot a name because he cared about each person he talked with. His life was led with a simple philosophy that he instructed his family to follow: "Always show love to someone and help those who need it most."

Mike was a loving husband, a caring father and a proud grandfather. A large loving family has been left behind due to the kindness and love from Papa Stax. He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his sons, George Stathakis and his wife, Paula, along with their sons, Michael and Chris, and Frank Stathakis and his wife, Sheila, along with their sons, Nicholas and Michael and a grandaughter, Neysa Caron. A son Thomas Stathakis, predeceased him.

Services will be Monday, October 30, 2006, at 11 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, with Father Tom Pistolis officiating. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Mike's name to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 406 North Academy Street, Greenville, SC 29601.

The Mackey Mortuary, Century Drive. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.mackeymortuary.com.