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Gregory Zairis Obituary

Gregory Zairis December 20, 1954 - July 30, 2008 PANAMA CITY, FL — Gregory Zairis, 53, died July 30, 2008 in an accidental drowning in Panama City, Florida along with his fiance, Laurie Lovett, 43, of Jasper GA. Born December 20, 1954 in Sacramento, CA he lived most of his adult life in Columbus, GA.Ê He served in the U.S. Army, was a graduate of Columbus State University, and spent over 15 years employed by the University of Georgia System.Ê He was a devoted father and grandfather. Greg Zairis was the son of the late Louis Zairis and Jeanne Kenny.Ê Survivors include his daughters Melanie Zairis of Atlanta, GA and Cherrylyn Simmons of Fall River, MA as well as his grandaughters Hope and Laine Simmons. He is also survived by his sister Sandie Saunders, his brothers Michael and Louis Zairis, and his beloved aunt, Barbara Saunders.Ê He is further survived by his former wife and lifelong friend, Linda Zairis, of Columbus, GA. The family will accept visitors from 6-8 p.m. at Striffler Hamby Mortuary in Columbus, GA on Friday.Ê A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Parkhill Cemetery, also in Columbus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kate's Club, an organization which empowers children facing life after the death of a parent. PO Box 11805, Atlanta, GA 30355 (www.katesclub.org)

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Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer from Aug. 1 to Aug. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Zairis

17 Entries

Lisa Chesney

August 5, 2008

Melanie, Cherry, and Linda.....and my nieces..
I am so sorry to hear what had happened to greg. He is and will always be such a kind and wonderful person. He was always so wonderful when I would come to visit. The loss of a loved one can be so hard but I have had to live that hard lesson to often. I have come to accept that they only live on if we keep them alive. In our hearts, our stories, and keeping them close. The days go by but I think they are the lucky ones. We are left to grieve and miss with a loss in our hearts and they are living the ultimate. I have had to describe to my daughter which is a lesson that i learned from my nephew when he was 6 he said our bodies are like a cacoon and when we die we get our wings like a butterfly and get to fly away as some of the most beautiful things in the world. I love you all. Lisa and Shailey

Leanne

August 4, 2008

To Gary's Family, My husband daughter and I were on the beach that day, I know it is a day we will never forget. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow.

Debbie Smith

August 4, 2008

Greg was a true friend and co-worker. I will miss him. He was my neighbor, and would come by and set on the porch and talk. My thoughts are with all the family in your time of grief.

Deanna Arrington

August 2, 2008

Linda, Cherry, and Melanie,
My heart aches for each of you. I know the pain of losing someone that you love dearly, and I wish so badly that I could do something to lessen that pain. I love you all like family, though we have been apart for many years, and if I can do anything for you, I most certainly will. Melanie, you probably don't remember me, but I remember you - mostly as the little Cherry-lookalike that took every chance to torment us! ;-)
You were my best friend, Cherry. You hold a very special place in my heart.
And Linda, I remember you fondly as the second Mom that wouldn't let Cherry or I get away with anything!
I hope you will call me if I can do anything for you. Take care. Time and God have a way of helping you deal with the loss of a loved one, and I hope that time heals you quickly.

Hope Simmons

August 2, 2008

Granddaddy,
I love you so much. I will miss you. I cannot believe it happened so fast.

Joe Ward

August 2, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Ken & Brenda Owens

August 2, 2008

Linda, Melanie & Cherry,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thougts are with you at this time of sorrow. (We attended church with you at Epworth.)

Vicki Hall

August 2, 2008

I never met Gregory, but I had the honor Thursday evening of flying to Atlanta with one of his daughters, on her way to join the family from her home in MA. The events surrounding her father's death were nothing less than tragic and I can only imagine the shock and loss following such sudden and inexplicable deaths. My prayers continue to abide with both families and I hope that everyone touched by these events can find comfort in their faith and strength in the bonds that bind family, friends, and even the occasional stranger. Peace...

Micah Topham

August 2, 2008

My condolences to Greg's family and friends. I was at the beach when the incident happened. I could not sleep until I found out who the couple was. The lifeguard did all that he possibly could do to rescue Greg and Laurie. You are all in my prayers. Please feel free to contact me if you would like. [email protected]

Monique Mendez

August 1, 2008

My heart aches for my cousins Melanie and Cherry and Aunt Linda in Georgia and my mother and uncle Louie and Uncle Mike . I can't express how deeply sorry I am for you for your sudden loss. I know my Uncle is in heaven with all of our other family looking over us now and will rest in peace eternally. I'll forever cherish the childhood memories with my Uncle Greg and our recent visit in December. God Bless and til we meet again you are a hero to many...
Your neice in Cali
Monique

Anthony Zairis

August 1, 2008

I am very sadden to hear uncle Greg has passed away, I really wish we could have spent more time getting to know each other. He was really a great and fun person to be around. He will always be remembered.

S L

August 1, 2008

Greg was a nice man. He treated me like I was one of his own. I love him, and will miss him. Laurie was my Aunt.

sandie saunders

August 1, 2008

Sweet lil bro Greg
All I remember about you is GOOD..
I helped raise you & on Christmas day, 1954 I changed your diaper & saw your umbilical cord fall off. When you were a few weeks old me & our Mom, took you to the hospital for blood transfusions.
When your big bros Mike & Lou teased you I came to your rescue.
I remember you always being sweet & never hurting anyone.
You lived giving love & were always so thoughtful of your loved ones & your friends.
You will be missed so much lil bro
Rest in peace until we meet again...
I LOVE YOU GREG Your big sis Sandie

Syble Reed

August 1, 2008

I enjoyed working with Greg at Kennesaw State very much. He was always very thoughtful, kind and considerate. Condolences to his family.

Linda Zairis

August 1, 2008

Greg:

You were, and always will be, my one true love.

You will be missed.

Linda

connie crabtree

August 1, 2008

Greg was a good boss and a good friend to me and my son Lucas. I will miss him. God bless him and his family.

Paul Underwood

August 1, 2008

My condolences to Greg's family and friends.