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Michael Arakas Obituary
December 13, 1964 - January 25, 2014
Myrtle Beach
Michael S. Arakas, 49, unexpectedly passed away January 25, 2014.
Michael was born December 13, 1964 in Conway, SC. He is the son of Mary T. Arakas and the late Tommy Arakas. He is survived by his much beloved wife, Robin Arakas; children, Stamatios M. Arakas, Evangelos M. Arakas, Maria M. Arakas, and Callie P. Burgess; sisters, Elaine Arakas-Teruel and Effie Arakas; nieces, Maria Teruel, Christina Teruel, and Katerina Teruel; aunts and uncles, Jimmy and Brenda Arakas of Myrtle Beach and Maria and Anthony Amentas of Chios, Greece. He is also survived by many close friends and other relatives in the United States and Greece.
Mike was a devout Greek Orthodox Christian. He loved his faith and lived by it whole heartedly. Mike was a loving husband, a great father, a loving brother and son, and a hardworking business man. His endless knowledge and powerful wisdom taught us valuable life lessons and helped shape the people we are today. He was an outdoorsman and loved the beauty of the world that God created. He is loved by many and will be missed forever. May his memory be eternal.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church with the Trisagion service beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 29th at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow in the Ocean Woods Memorial Cemetery. Following the committal service, everyone is invited to attend the memorial luncheon at the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Endowment Fund, 3301 33rd Avenue Ext. North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
An online guestbook is available at msfh.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Arakas
March 20, 2014
I apologize for just finding out about Mike. I went to Wofford and was a fraternity member with Mike and I could tell you he was a larger than life than character and was respected by all. Our paths didn't cross much since those days but will never forget him. I'm deeply saddened to hear of this tragedy and may God comfort his family in this time of need.
-Thomas M.(Dink) Wannamaker
Class of '84
Jimilynn Collins
February 10, 2014
Dear Robin and Callie,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I can still remember when you both fell~in~love and were married and how much he adored you Robin and how much love he had for sweet little Miss Callie. It was a beautiful thing to see your famlies blend together so easily. A friend never forgets when they see and feel the blessing of love given so purely and with such depth. It was just understood, no words were needed. Also, the pride he had for his "Civil War" collection.
Time may put distance in our lives but time can never take away the love we carry in our hearts. Just like making Halloween Ghost sweatshirts with rollie pollie eyes, as Callie put it. ?
Renee Kotsovos
February 8, 2014
We are deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was a great guy and a friend to many through the years. Your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers as you work through your grief.
Joe Castellano
February 5, 2014
To Robin and the Arakas Family,
I knew Mike as a teenager and young adult. When I moved from Pittsburgh to Myrtle in 1981 Mike was one of my first friends I had here and we had such good times. I lost contact with him over the years but on occasion I would see him at the Greek Orthodox Church for a social event or I would see him around town and we would catch up on what was going in our lives. Mike was a great guy and I am proud to say that he was a friend to me. My sympathies and prayers to all of the Arakas family and to you Robin. Mike will greatly missed
Joe and Martha Castellano
Wallpapers By Lynne Lynne&Ed
February 3, 2014
We are deeply saddened to hear of Micheal's passing.God be with you at this time of sorrow.
Shawn & Crystal Woods
February 2, 2014
We were very touched to hear of Mikes passing. My husband first met him about 18 years ago while working for Pepsi Co. Ate with him at the restaurant many, many times. We loved him, he was such a great friend. The Lord will see your family through the rough times.
Maria Cole
January 31, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Praying for your strength during this difficult time. Mike will be missed by all.
Sincerely,
Maria (Kaltsunis) Cole
Larisa Markessinis
January 30, 2014
My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. Mike will be dearly missed by so many. His devotion to his faith was truly a testament to his character. I personally will miss him chanting the six Psalms for the early services of Holy Week when the church is so quiet and peaceful. He sincerely had an impact on a great number of people in so many different ways and will remain in my prayers.
Tony and Helen Politis
January 30, 2014
Dear Robin and all the Arakas family,so sorry for the tragic loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Mike.
Michael Madar
January 29, 2014
My prayers go out for you and your family, My God put his arms around your family and give them continued blessings.
January 29, 2014
My prayers go out to you and your family, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
LISA COOPER
January 29, 2014
I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS ROBIN AND I KNOW YOU WILL MISS AWFUL. MIKE I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT FISH YOU CAUGHT FOR ME AND TOOK IT TO THE JOB YOU WAS AND ALWAYS A GOOD FRIEND,MAY YOU RIP MIKE!
January 29, 2014
Charlene Damous
Jo Ann Eskew
January 28, 2014
My Deepest Sympathy to the Family.. My Prayers & Thoughts are with the Family Always...
Maria Panos
January 28, 2014
I am so very sorry for your loss, no words can express or console the tragic loss your family is going through. My prayers will be with you.
Maria Panos
January 28, 2014
Robin, I am so sorry to hear of your pain! Your family will be in my prayers.
Jenn Hatfield
Ginger Thompson-Brantly
January 28, 2014
Elaine and Effie, I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We all worked together in high school at National. May God bless you and help you through this . I still remember Mike's smile.
Pam and Philip Coggin
January 28, 2014
Dear Robin and the Arakas family - Sending condolences from Philip and Pam Coggin. Mike was a wonderful man.
Theo and Georgia Krallis
January 28, 2014
We are shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Michael. It's hard to believe we will not hear him at Church. Theo will miss chanting with him. Our sincere sympathies to all his family. May God rest his soul.
Celso and Ligia Bolet
January 28, 2014
We have a place in Murrells Inlet and attend St. John the Baptist when in the area and have become familiar with Michael's presence and chanting during liturgy. We are very saddened with the news of his passing and pray to God for His mercy, to give strength to his loved ones to endure the pain of Michael's departure and that his memory be eternal.
Walt and Connie Klimash
January 28, 2014
One of our church's extraordinary losses . He will be missed by our parishioners as well as by all his friends and relatives
Gail Dunn
January 28, 2014
Robin, I love you and your family. I am sorry for your loss. Please know that I am here for you if you need anything at all. Your Biker Buddy, Gail.
George & Pat Lazarou
January 28, 2014
We are so saddened by Michael's sudden death. He was such a wonderful young man may his memory be eternal. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his family. May his smiles of the past bring them comfort.
Olivia "Cox" Dorman
January 28, 2014
I did not know Michael I know Jimmy and Brenda from way back. I am so sorry for the loss you feel. You can rest assured he is with the Lord. May God give you and the family peace at this time.
January 28, 2014
Robin, We are So very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sam Georgakopoulos and family
Maria Kiser
January 28, 2014
Dear Robin and all the Arakas family,
We were saddened to hear of the loss of Mike. He walked the walk and that should give you some condolence. We will miss him and our church will miss him in more ways than they know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May his memory be eternal! Love, Jeff,Maria, Lauren,Jessica,Drew, and Lili Kisery
Jodi Moore
January 28, 2014
Effie and Elaine and the entire Arakas family.. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Gayle Coleman
January 28, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I will never forget his huge smile that he would so freely share. My heart goes out to his family. The stories we will share will keep him alive forever..God bless you and give you the strength you will need at this time. I cant make it because of health reasons of my own but will be there in in soul....
Linda Dellinger
January 28, 2014
To all the Arakas family,so sorry for the tragic loss of your loved one.May the lord help ease your pain. He now has another angel in heaven. With my sympathy and much love to you all.Linda Dellinger
Tinker and Kim Denison
January 27, 2014
Hoping good memories will ease your pain in time. We will miss Mike. We always enjoyed stopping by the restaurant and visiting when we were at the beach.What a great guy.
Nancy and Roger Goedtel
January 27, 2014
Although we didn't know Michael for long we were so thankful to have met him. The congregation of St. Nicholas's church will miss hearing his beautiful voice during our Matin service. May His Memory Be Eternal and may your family find strength and peace in knowing that he is with our Lord.
George Karukas
January 27, 2014
Just too sad for words. I know I will miss Mike so very much. He was there when I got married. He was there for Sarah and Natalie's baptisms. He was always there. His faith in Christ and love of his fellow man are a testament to his life. He most certainly now lives with the saints. May his memory be eternal.
January 27, 2014
It seems hard to believe that Mike's warm presence will not be with this community and his family. He was a special light. Our deep sympathy. Virgil and Valerie Graham
January 27, 2014
Sending condolences from Lucille Drayton and Family from Georgetown SC
Angela Sourlis Kontos
January 27, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Arakas family. Mike was a wonderful man and I know will truly be missed. May his memory be eternal.
January 27, 2014
Dear Robin & family we sorry for your loss. May Michael's memory be eternal amongst the Holy Saint's in Heaven's. Reverend George, Reverend Panteleimon.
Wendy & Katy Merling
January 27, 2014
Dear Robin, Mary, Elaine, Effie and all the kids: we are so saddened and shocked to hear about Mike. We know your heartbreak is beyond words and our hearts go out to you. We are praying for God's comfort with all of you and will hold you in our thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs from your Northern friends.
Jennifer Clifton
January 27, 2014
My heart has ached for you and your family since hearing the news on Saturday. I hope you have all the support and love you need for the coming difficult days ahead.
Denise Riggins
January 27, 2014
Dear Robin & family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers going up for you and love to you. Denise
catherine knight/Day
January 27, 2014
Robin, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and your family
January 27, 2014
Much Sympathy to the whole family!
roxanne thompson
January 27, 2014
Sorry for your loss robin Mike will be truely missed
Cindy Goff
January 27, 2014
Robin,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and the family.
Cindy and Roger Goff
linda hough
January 27, 2014
Robin, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Sorry, I could not be with you at this time. Hope to see you soon.
Jurney Family
January 27, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in this time of grief and sorrow.
Lori Orbin
January 27, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the entire Arakas family. Hold strong to your faith in the difficult days ahead. Love and Peace to all of you.
Judy Allen
January 27, 2014
My love, thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Mike was an awesome person with a big heart. We will miss him at the Greek Festival.
RIP! and Peace be with you! Hugs and love
January 27, 2014
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep you in our prayers here at SOS Health Care.
Mary Katherine (Kitty) Sims
January 27, 2014
So saddened to hear of Mike's passing. My prayers and sympathy to all of his family, hoping your sadness will be eased with your memories ....rest in peace, Mike.
Deborah Mylin-Pross
January 27, 2014
Robin my love and prayers to you and your family. Remember, as we did with Karen Jeanne, celebrate the life he lived and do not dwell on the rest.
Love you!
Rose Marikis Sechler
January 27, 2014
So saddened to hear of this news!!! Love to all the Arakas family!! May the weight of your heavy hearts soon pass and you soon recall great memories!!!!
January 27, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.
Cindy (Chestnut) Nycum and family
Cookie & Suzan
January 27, 2014
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Dawn Sarte
January 27, 2014
To all the Arakas family, I am saddened to hear of this tragic accident and the loss of Mike. I have such wonderful memories of him. A smile that lit up a room with a personality that was larger then life. May his memory be eternal -
Marcus Abrams
January 27, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Arakas family. Mike was a great person and a good friend. He will always he in our hearts.
Missy Norket
January 27, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Arakas family !!! My heart aches for you all !!!!
Deana Gore
January 27, 2014
I was saddened to hear of Mikes passing. He was a great friend of mine and I will always remember our conversations as well as miss them. He may be gone but never forgotten. God bless all who are effected by this tragedy and grant them peace. I pray for the strength to get you through this difficult time. Rest easy till we meet on the other side!
WADE SMITH
January 27, 2014
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE ARAKAS FAMILY.
January 27, 2014
Our deepest
sympathy for your loss. Long life for you and your loved ones. James Katsoudas & family.
Angela Miller
January 27, 2014
Robin, I am so sorry. May God hold you and your family close during this time.
Sherry Hickey
January 27, 2014
My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fred & Mary Nash
January 27, 2014
My prayers are with you all may GOD give you peace
Tammy Merisotis
January 27, 2014
Mike was such a dedicated servant of the Church. We at St. John's were all blessed to hear him chant with such dedication and love for his Faith. May his memory be eternal. The Merisotis Family
Thomas Isaac
January 27, 2014
May God be with all of the Arakas family. I knew Michael from ST. Andrews School. You are all in my prayer and thoughts
JUDY OVERDORFF
January 27, 2014
ROBIN WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOU LOSS. IF BILL OR I CAN DO ANYTHING FOR YOU PLEASE LET US KNOW.
January 27, 2014
Our prayers go out to the entire Arakas family. Mike will be so missed by all of us.
Carol Klemens and the AccuChex family
Joe and Martha Castellano
January 27, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Rest in peace mike.
And peace be with you all.
pana & john christopher
January 27, 2014
may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived
Katherine D. "Kitty" Brown
January 27, 2014
A friend of Stacy sending sympathy to the entire Arakas family and close circle of friends. God Bless you all -
Tommy Chestnut
January 27, 2014
Our prayers go out to the entire Arakas Family....
Tommy Chestnut and Family
Ruth Blair
January 26, 2014
Elaine, Effie, may God keep you and your family close, helping time pass quickly to heal your hurt. Sympathy to Robin and the children......so sad.
Steve Agganis
January 26, 2014
Our deepest condolences. Our hearts break for the entire family and most especially his children. Stamati, Vagelli and Maria Arakas are a tribute to their father. May they be healthy and live a long life to keep his memory alive.
I will always remember the good times we had as a family with the fondest of memories.
With love,
Steve and Georgia Agganis and Family
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