George John Zourzoukis

George John Zourzoukis, 86, of Asheville, NC passed away suddenly Thursday evening October 8, 2009 at Memorial Mission Hospital.

Born in Klafsion, Evrytania, Greece on March 15, 1923, he was the son of the late John and Athena Tripsa Zourzoukis.  He was also preceded in death by a brother Demosthenes John Zourzoukis and two brothers -in-law Judge Spiros Skenderis and George Andriopoulos. After attending school in Greece, he served in the Greek Army for 7 years as a General’s Aide. He immigrated to the United States in May of 1951. After a brief stay in Williamson, WV he moved permanently to Asheville, NC.  George operated the Montford Café for 6 years until the construction of I-240 forced him to close.  In 1959 George and his brothers, Gus, Demo and Chris built and operated the Three Brothers Restaurant which is still in operation today.  He retired from the business in 1991, after serving the Asheville customers for over 32 years.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Fallis Zourzoukis and 3 sons, John  George Zourzoukis and his wife Susan of Columbia SC, Constantine (Dino) George Zourzoukis and Dimitrios (Jimmy) George Zourzoukis of Asheville and grand children Anastasia Maria Zourzoukis of Columbia, SC and George John Zourzoukis of Clemson, SC. 

 He is also survived by his sister Maria Andriopoulos of Athens Greece, brother Kostas John Zourzoukis and his wife Popie and brother Christos John Zourzoukis and his wife Andrea, three sisters-in-law Julia Zourzoukis, Frances Fallis Skenderis and Androniki Fallis, eight nieces and nephews and fifteen great nieces and nephews.

Pall Bearers for the services are George John Zourzoukis, Dr. Basil S. Skenderis, Dr. Milton G. Poulos, Demet Anagnostiadis, George D. Zourzoukis, Billy Paulk, John C. Zourzoukis, and Jimmy Carros.  

George shared his life and his loving heart in serving his family, his church, his friends, his community and his Shriners. He served Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church as a Parish Council member for 28 years in various leadership positions, and Vice President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Church’s Foundation. He was an active member of the Velouchi Association since 1951 where he served as National Vice President and President of Chapter 6.

He was a member of Mount Herman Masonic Lodge #118, Land of the Sky Shrine Club, Life Member Oasis Shriners and Royal Order of Jesters.

George received many service awards and accolades by the Shriners Organization of which he was a proud member for over 35 years.  During his tenure he served as Aide to the Imperial Potentate, Chief Aide to Oasis Shrine Temple and was bestowed the high honor of Potentate Aide Emeritus by the Oasis Shrine.     

In 1993 the Oasis Temple Western Carolina Ceremonial Initiation was named the George J Zourzoukis Class “Honoring this Noble for his exemplification of the highest ideals of Shrinedom with his unselfish commitment to Oasis Temple and Shriners Hospitals for Cripple Children.”  In 2002 the Oasis Shriners and the Shriners Hospitals of America declared Potentate Appreciation Day in honor of George Zourzoukis. In 2004 the Shrine of North America and Oasis Shriners presented to George a special recognition. The plaque read “We in the Shrine are proud of the valuable service you have given to our mission. You are to be commended for your exemplary achievements.”   Upon his active retirement the 24 Past Potentates of whom he served held a special ceremony honoring George for his exemplary service under their administration.

A Trisagion Service will be held on Sunday October 11, 2009 at 6:30 pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church followed by a visitation in the Church Hellenic Center.  The Funeral Service will take place on Monday October 12, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, officiated by Rev. Fr. Demetrios Iliou.  Graveside services will be will take place at Green Hill Cemetery.  A Masonic Last Rite ceremony will also take place at the graveside.

The Family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 8369, Asheville, NC 28814 or the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.  

Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com