Harry George Karegeannes

Harry George Karegeannes, age 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Bedford, Texas. He was born on July 15, 1936, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to Greek immigrant parents, Katherine Melehes and George Constantine Karegeannes. He was the seventh of eight children and the youngest son in a large, close-knit family.

After graduating from high school, Harry attended Wofford College, where he studied history, developed a lifelong passion for military history, and excelled in the ROTC program. He earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and soon reported to Fort Knox for Armor Officer Basic Training before receiving orders for his first overseas assignment in Korea. There, he led Second Platoon, C Troop, 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, serving with the 7th Infantry Division—marking the beginning of a distinguished 34-year military career.

After returning to the United States, Harry entered the Army Reserve, but in 1960 was asked to return to active duty. He converted his commission to the Regular Army as an Ordnance Corps Officer and was assigned to the Detroit Army Arsenal, beginning a career in contracting and acquisition of military equipment.

During this time, Harry also began his life as a devoted husband and father. He married his beloved wife, Virginia (“Ginny”), and together they raised three children: Jason, and twins Peter and Tara. The family shared his many assignments across the United States and overseas, including two tours in Germany.

Following attendance at the Command and General Staff College, Harry completed a year-long tour in Vietnam. After returning safely, he continued his service with assignments in Maryland and graduate study at the Florida Institute of Technology, where he earned a Master of Science degree in contracts and acquisitions.

Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, Harry later commanded an Ordnance Battalion in Germany responsible for rapidly deploying equipment in the event of a Soviet attack through the Fulda Gap. He was subsequently promoted to Colonel and given command of the Tooele Army Depot in Utah. In 1984, he was selected for promotion to Brigadier General. He later served at Fort Monmouth and at the Pentagon as head of the Army’s Contract Support Agency, becoming the Army’s Chief of Acquisition.

Between 1987 and 1989, Harry was promoted to Major General and appointed Commanding General of the U.S. Army Depot Systems Command, overseeing all thirteen depots and 44,000 military and civilian personnel. In this role, he supported major operations, including those in Panama and during the first Iraq War.

Harry and Ginny retired in 1992 after 34 years of distinguished service and settled in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where he continued his career with LTV, later acquired by Lockheed. In 1996, they became active members of the Greek Orthodox Church in Euless, Texas. Harry served as Parish Council President and played a key role in the development and opening of the parish’s new church in 2012.

Beyond his professional achievements, Harry was, in the truest sense, a John Wayne–style American patriot. Known for his captivating and often humorous stories, he lived by a guiding principle he frequently shared: “mission first, people always.” A lifelong admirer of Louis L’Amour novels, he drew inspiration from their themes of honor, courage, and integrity.

Harry was also an avid historian and collector of antique firearms, especially Colt single-action revolvers. He carefully documented every firearm he handled and delighted in sharing his knowledge and stories, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

To his children, he was a source of compassion, wisdom, and steady guidance. Harry and his beloved Ginny were extraordinary parents, and their presence will be missed beyond measure.

Harry is survived by his sisters, Becky Berenz and Ethel Tortorice; his children, Jason (Kristan), Peter (Eileen), and Tara (Mike); eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is remembered as a devoted husband and father, a man of deep faith, and a servant leader who dedicated his life to God, family, and country.

May his memory be eternal.