George Nickolaos Bourbous

1974 - 2017

DURHAM - George Nickolaos Bourbous died unexpectedly in Durham on March 19, 2017 at the age of 43. He was the son of Nickolaos George Bourbous and the late Sarah Shirley Potts Bourbous.

George was born January 21, 1974 in Durham. He graduated from Durham Academy and furthered his education at Durham Technical Community College, obtaining a degree in Criminal Justice. George began working for Harris Teeter bagging groceries, and made his way up to evening supervisor. He held other jobs as a bellman, and a cook at a 5-Star restaurant in the North Carolina mountains and Wilmington. He returned to Durham to be a manager at JJ Family Fish & Chicken Restaurant. At the time of his death Georgeowned a local produce business.

Deeply devoted to his Orthodox Christian faith, George loved the Church of St. Barbara and its parishioners. He served as an altar boy, was a member of GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth Association) and AHEPA (American Hellenic Education Progressive Association), and was active in numerous activities. He was very proud to be a dual citizen of the U.S. and his father's native Greece. George enjoyed travel abroad, visiting numerous countries including Greece and Australia – home to several family members. He had great affection for his grandparents, who profoundly influenced his life.

George Bourbous was a kind, easygoing, and gentle fellow with a keen mind. He was naturally sociable and conversant in many topics. His interests were varied; he loved to read and was always eager to learn. He was well versed in literature and had an encyclopedic knowledge of all types and functions of firearms.

George leaves his father, Nick, of Durham; his brother, Peter "Taki" Bourbous; aunts, Christina Xinos of Levidion, Greece, Effie Zaferis of Sydney, Australia and Dina Giokoris, also of Sydney; and numerous cousins and other extended family. In addition to his mother, Sarah, George was predeceased by his aunt, ToulaDenos; uncles, Peter and Kostas Bourbous; a cousin, George Xinos and grandparents, Demetrea and George Bourbous.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday from St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church: 8306 NC-751, Durham, NC 27713. Friends may visit 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, with the Trisagion litany (prayer service) at 7:00. The Makaria (memorial luncheon) will be in the parish hall following the funeral, after which burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery: 1621 Duke University Rd, Durham, NC 27701. Online memorials: hallwynne.com