George D. Pappas

George Pappas, 84, of Cookeville, TN and previously of Michigan City, IN, passed away on January 16th peacefully at home in his sleep with his wife, daughter and son-in-law by his side. George was born on July 5, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to parents, Constantine and Helen Pappamikos, the 6th of 7 children. He was preceded by twin brothers, Tony and Louie Pappas, sister, Dawn Harakopos and brothers-in-laws, Ross Barcelona and Lt. Colonel Kenneth Grant. George is survived by his wife and best friend Rosi, daughters, Julie Ann (J.D.) Elmquist, Jill (Nick) Landers and Beth (Craig) Brown, grandchildren, Nicholas (Christopher Moore) Landers, Meredith Landers, Katherine (Crispin) Collins and Matthew Brown, great grandchildren, Matthew and Poppy Collins, his sisters, Antonia Grant, Julia Barcelona and Dimitra Polyzos, many beloved nieces and nephews, and so many dear friends, including special neighbors Carl and Sharon Buxton. George grew up working in his father’s restaurants in Chicago, Valparaiso, Indiana and New Buffalo, Michigan. In 1953, George enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, actively serving until 1956 and in the reserves until 1961. George was a professional truck driver, driving for Parco Foods among others. After “retirement” he drove a flower delivery truck which he truly enjoyed. George started chasing Rosi in 1976 and she finally gave in and married him on his birthday in 1981. He always said it was the best present he ever had! When George and Rosi moved from Michigan City to Cookeville in 2004, they felt like they had “hit the jackpot” as their new neighbors quickly became like family. George and Rosi loved to travel, going to Greece twice, all over the United States including several trips with their 4 grandchildren in tow and yearly snow birding to Florida, where they made many good friends. No matter where they were, together they were always the life of the party. George loved the Chicago Bears and was a Personal Seat License Holder at Soldier Field where he was often disappointed! He was a wonderful dancer, loved good food and drink and was never happier than when family and friends were gathered around his table. He loved boating on Lake Michigan and Center Hill Lake. They had such great times with their friends in the Michigan City Marina and Cookeville Boat Dock. He had a hardy laugh, a great sense of humor and was a wonderful storyteller. He loved animals, especially the many pets over the years, including Thomas, Tony, Maxwell, Cinder, Rusty and Hadley. George cherished his Greek heritage. He was a founding member of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Michigan City. George and Rosi were warmly welcomed by their church family at Heavenly Host Lutheran Church in Cookeville. Fiercely patriotic, family, faith and country were everything to him. He was kind, generous of heart and so much fun. A full, rich life well lived, he is now in Heaven with his loved ones. Semper fi, dear Poppy. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Kindred Hospice for their tender care of George for the last several months, especially Jenni and Nikki. Also a very special thank you to Beth and Craig, Jill and Nick and family friends Dawn and Jeremy Sharp for their professional and loving care of George after his return home from the hospital in June. A memorial service was held Saturday, January 30th at 11 AM at Heavenly Host Lutheran Church located at 777 South Willow Avenue in Cookeville. Pastor Andrew Smith officiated. Dyer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements (931)526-7158. Share your thoughts and memories at www.dyerfh.com