Nicholas Anthony "Nick" Liakonis

Nicholas "Nick" Anthony Liakonis, age 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by family. Born in Ano Hora, Greece, Nick immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of seven and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He truly embraced the American experience and throughout his life he was a steadfast patriot to his country. Nick was a proud student-athlete at the University of Michigan, he played baseball and was known as "Greek SouthPaw," and later fulfilled a lifelong dream when he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers. Nick eventually made his home in Knoxville, where he married the love of his life, KiKi Regas Liakonis. There, he worked for many years as a civil engineer with the Tennessee Valley Authority, and together Nick and KiKi built a beautiful life and raised their three children.

Beyond his professional life, Nick was deeply devoted to St. George Greek Orthodox Church and its community. He served on the church board and planning committee, was an active member of AHEPA, chaired numerous Greek Fest booths, and coached the youth basketball team for many years. In recognition of his dedicated service, Nick received both the Archangel Michael Award and the St. Paul Medal. He valued his Greek Orthodox heritage, faith, and traditions and passed them on to his family.

Nick lived an active and vibrant life. An avid tennis player, he could often be found on the courts at the Knoxville Racquet Club, where he played twice a week with close friends right up until his hospitalization. When he wasn't playing tennis, Nick was enthusiastically watching and supporting his children, grandchildren, and his favorite team, the Vols.

With all of Nick's commitments, accomplishments, and pursuits, his greatest legacy will be his family. He shared 63 years of marriage with his cherished wife, KiKi, and when life presented him with the opportunity to care for her in the final years of her life, he embraced that role with remarkable selflessness. He was a devoted father, setting an enduring example of love, strength, and character. Above all, Nick adored his precious grandchildren, who brought him profound joy in his later years.

Nick was a fighter. He faced cancer for 18 years, continuing to live fully and with grace thanks to God and his devoted servant, Dr. Wahid Hanna. The family wishes to thank him as well as the many caregivers who helped him through his cancer journey and his hospitalization at UT.

Nick, lovingly known by his family as "Pops," is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, KiKi Regas Liakonis; parents, Anthony N. and Vasiliki "Bessie" Liakonis. He is survived by daughter Frankie Liakonis Nixon, son Anthony (Lori) Liakonis, and daughter Georgianne (Matt) Foster; his pride and joy, his five grandchildren: Nicholas Liakonis, Cole Foster, Theo and Eleni Liakonis, and Lia Foster, as well as his treasured dog, Oreo. He is also survived by brother-in-law Gus Regas, nieces and nephews Michael Regas, Elizabeth McChrystal, Matt (Amanda) and Chelse Regas, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many dear friends.

Nick will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family and church, his humility, perseverance, and strength of character, and for the steady, dynamic way he lived his life. Our Pops will be dearly missed. As he loved to say, "that's the latest and the greatest." The family will receive friends at St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, February 14th from 12:30 - 2:00 with a funeral service to follow. Family and friends will then travel in procession to Lynnhurst Cemetery for the Interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Nick's honor to St. George Greek Orthodox Church: Donate Online at https://www.saintgeorgeknoxville.com/donate/ - condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com