Costas "Gus" Brinias

Costas "Gus" Brinias, age 94, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025. He was born in Kesari, Korinthia, Greece on January 9, 1931, and immigrated to Montreal, Canada in the early 1950's. He worked on a farm for many years to support his family in Greece and eventually transitioned to the restaurant industry. He and his late brother, Frank, operated their first restaurant together in Montreal for many years. He met his loving wife, Voula, and they married in 1966. Pursuing the American dream, he moved his family to Knoxville, TN in the early 70's. Gus worked tirelessly to provide a better life for his family and was well known as a restauranteur in Knoxville. He owned and operated Gus's Restaurant (on Gay Street) from 1974 to 1988 and also owned and operated The Original Louis Drive-In Restaurant (on Old Broadway) until his retirement in 2005. Gus's life was dedicated to serving others and providing for his family. He had a passion for cooking, gardening, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. When he retired, he loved traveling to visit family, spoiling his grandchildren, and spending time with Voula at home, working in their garden. He was a devoted member of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church and volunteered time and talents at the annual Greek Fest. Gus is preceded in death by his parents, Dimitrios and Athanasia Brinias, brothers, Vlasi and Frank Brinias, and sister, Vivian Captain. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Voula Andriopoulos Brinias; son, Jimmy (Tammy) Brinias; daughter Cathy (Bryan) Johnson; grandchildren, Maria and Eleni Brinias, Dean and Linzy Johnson; and Michael (Claire) Adams; great-grandchildren, Aidan and Caroline Adams; special nephew, Dr. Anthony Captain; and several godchildren, nieces and nephews. The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to the staff and caregivers at The Pointe at Lifespring. Their care and compassion this past year will never be forgotten. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 21st from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 22nd at 9:00am at St. George Greek Orthodox Church with interment immediately following at Lynnhurst Cemetery. Father Dionysios Lampropoulos, Father Anthony Stratis and Deacon Mark Smith are officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church Memorial Fund, 4070 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosefuneraltn.com