George T. Ballas

BALLAS WINSTON SALEM, NC George T. Ballas, went to our Lord, on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, at the age of 66, in Athens, Greece. He was born August 2, 1942 in Marathia, Evrytania, Greece and is preceded in death by his parents Athanasios Ballas and Penelope Makas Ballas. George Ballas immigrated to the United States in 1955 at the age of 12. He attended Reynolds High School. In 1964 Mr. Ballas enlisted in the US Army and served in Germany where George met his wife. George is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Loula Kanela Tsatsarounos Ballas of Pireaus, Greece, two brothers, Gus Ballas and wife, Soula Ballas of Winston-Salem; Jim Ballas and wife, Dimitra Ballas of Clemmons; a sister, Maria Nicopoulos and husband, Jimmy Nicopoulos of High Point. Nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews have loved George as they would their own fathers. His love was abundant and given freely to all young and old, alike. George Ballas was the owner of Winston-Salem' s famous landmark Grecian Corner, known today as George' s Grecian Corner. Since his retirement in 2002 George' s nephew Angelo Ballas purchased the operation. George has always been a kind and gentle man, sharing his love with family, friends and acquaintances. George met many people but he never met a stranger. George' s restaurant has been a hub over the years where family, friends and community leaders could gather and discuss politics over coffee. The tradition he put in place years ago are still going strong today. Many remember the filming of "Mr. Destiny" which was filmed at Grecian Corner and so was Mr. Ballas named thereof. George T. Ballas was an active member of The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church where he has served on the Parrish Council. Mr. Ballas was an active member of Evrytanian Association Velouchi of America and has served as president and officiated on the board. Visitation will be from 7-8:30 P.M., on Sunday, September 14, with a Trisagion Service at 7:30 PM at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Funeral Services will be conducted Monday, September 15, at 2:30 P.M., at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, with Rev. Dimitri Kangelaris, Father Dennis Canavos and Rev. George Kiricoples officiating. Burial will follow in Forsyth Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements made by Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. Memorials may be directed to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 or The National Kidney Foundation of NC, 5950 Fairview Rd., Suite 550, Charlotte, NC 28210-2102. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.