Gus Louis Kampas

Gus L. Kampas, 87, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 17, 2024. Born on April 15, 1937, in Marathia, Greece, Gus immigrated to the U.S. in 1950 after a solo journey by boat across the Atlantic Ocean, arriving at Ellis Island and navigating customs alone at the tender age of 13. Although he knew very little English, Gus boarded a train from New York to Knoxville, where he was sponsored by his aunt, Mrs. John (Sophia Kampas) Cavalaris. He lived with Sophia and her family through his high school years then worked at the Gold Sun restaurant on Market Square. He moved to Los Angeles in 1956, and while in L.A., Gus worked at Desilu-Culver Studios, where he cooked for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Redd Foxx, Red Skelton, and other entertainers. Gus returned to Knoxville in 1960, and through his hard work and savings he managed to bring his entire family-mother, father, brother, and two sisters-from Greece to Knoxville.
Gus was an enterprising individual who eventually owned and operated several Knoxville businesses alongside with his brother Victor Kampas, including the Varsity Inn restaurant on "The Strip" (Cumberland Avenue), Lakeview Market and Kampas Liquor Store on Alcoa Highway. The Varsity Inn became a beloved fixture among many University of Tennessee students and faculty, where Gus was known for his hands-on management and personal connection with his customers. Many of these customers became his lifelong friends, such as Joe Thompson, Jim Hudson, Joe Mayes, Victor Ashe, Bobby Scott, Pat Ryan, and K.P. Rice to name a few. He also became friends of such UT greats Chancellor Jack Reese, President Joe Johnson and coaches Pat Summit and Ray Mears. He ran the Varsity Inn for nearly 30 years with a dedication that allowed him to provide for his family and become a respected member of the Knoxville community.
Deeply committed to his faith, Gus was an active member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Over the years, he served on the Parish Council, chaired both Greek Night and the Greek Festival ("GreekFest") multiple times, and was a tireless volunteer for many church events. In 2015, Gus received the Diocese St. Michael Award, recognizing his dedication and service to St. George.
Gus's life was a testament to the values of hard work, family, and faith. His daily acts of kindness and unwavering support for both his church and community made him a pillar of strength and a beacon of Christian virtue. Friends, family, and all who knew him will remember Gus as a man who never hesitated to help those in need and who lived his faith through every thoughtful act.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Vasaliki and Louis Kampas. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Mary Cavalaris Kampas; son Leon Kampas (Rachel); daughter Alice Hester (Brian); brother Victor Kampas (Rebecca); sisters Marika Peroulas (Gus) and Faye Pritsiolas (Michael); grandchildren Dean and Sean Kampas, and Nicholas and Sophia Hester; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers: James Anderson; Christos Christopoulos; James Dendrinos; Hercules Ligdis; Charlie Peroulas; and Jimmy Psihogios. Honorary pallbearers: Colonel James Cavalaris, Ret.; Dr. John Cavalaris; John Dendrinos; Glenn Fogel; Dr. Dean Kleto; Nick Liakonis; Dr. Sam Pappas; John Peroulas; Dr. George Pliagas; Dr. Jimmy Pritsiolas; Dr. Leo Pritsiolas; Pete Psihogios; Gus Regas; Greg Tampas; Pete Tampas; Tony Tampas, and the Honorable Tom Varlan. All of us will miss Gus dearly but are comforted by the rich tapestry of memories he leaves behind. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church to continue the work Gus held dear. Gus's legacy will live on not just in the projects he supported but in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 - 11:00 am at St. George Greek Orthodox Church with the funeral to follow at 11:00. Family and friends will then travel in procession to Lynnhurst Cemetery for the interment. Family and friends are then welcome to attend the memorial meal back at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com