The Falling Asleep of John Evangelos Pantazis
John Evangelos Pantazis entered into his heavenly life on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. He was born in Athens, Greece on December 8, 1938 to Evangelos and Georgia Pantazis. John graduated from Hymettus High School and as a young boy worked as a printer in the local newspaper office. He then served two years in the Air Force in Greece. John was also a great athlete and a talented soccer player who played for the Haravgiakos Soccer Team in Athens, Greece when he met the love of his life, Louisa Papadis Pantazis. He came to America with his new bride in 1960 with only a suitcase in his hand determined to achieve the American Dream and found a job in a Greek restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, making 25 dollars a week. John was persistent, dependable, hard-working and strong-willed. With these attributes, he quickly became the head chef of the restaurant. In 1964, he had the opportunity to open up his own restaurant in Spartanburg, SC where he could be closer to family too. Here, he became a successful restaurant entrepreneur where he owned the Minuet Restaurant and the Athens Restaurant. He made lifelong friends in his 14 years there. In 1978, he moved with his family to Winston Salem NC where he opened The Clipper Seafood Restaurant. Being the strong restaurant entrepreneur that he was, he quickly opened a second restaurant in Winston Salem and continued to expand with locations in High Point and Burlington. John loved cooking and always came up with new dishes for his customers to try. This led to another successful venture in the restaurant industry where he opened Austin's Bar and Grill in High Point, NC in 1991. He worked there for 30 years, even after retirement. He is also the owner of Goody's Grill in Winston-Salem which opened its doors in 1998 and because of his ideas is known for their spuds. He found great pleasure in serving the public, who readily became his friends too. His generosity to all who met him was incredible. He had the gift of giving not only to his family, but also to his community. If a person was in need, he was there to help them get back on their feet. He offered jobs to fellow immigrants and helped them make a start. During all holidays, John cooked full course meals and then delivered them to numerous needy families. John was a member of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta, Georgia, a member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Spartanburg, SC and a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Winston Salem, NC. He was also a member of several Greek Organizations such as the Evrytania Society and the Velouchi Association of America. John enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at his beach home in Myrtle Beach. He was an avid golfer who played in every golf course at Myrtle Beach and also played in all of them in the Triad. He participated in and won many golf tournaments. Aside from being an astute and successful business man, more importantly, he was a devoted, loving Husband, Daddy, and Pappou who nurtured and supported his family. He loved each and every member of his family the same, with all his heart and soul. He taught us to value the importance of family and to look out for one another. John was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Marinos Pantazis and Demetrios Pantazis and a baby sister. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Louisa Papadis Pantazis; his children, Gina Pantazis Nikitas and her husband Panagiotis Nikitas, and Bessie Pantazis; his four grandchildren, Liza Nikitas, Kyle Nikitas, Maria Nikitas, and Yanna Pantazis- all of whom were cherished by him beyond measure. He also leaves behind two sister-in-laws, Elenitsa Veletza and Marika Koutsikaki, several nieces and nephews in Greece and America. The Trisagion and the Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at12:00 pm at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Rev. Fr. Demetri Kangelaris, Rev. Fr. George Kouzelis and Rev. Fr. Constantine Shepherd officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Visitation will also be held at the home of John and Louisa Pantazis on Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Online condolences can be made at www.hayworth-miller.com. John was a titan among men and will be missed tremendously by all those who knew him. His memory will be forever treasured in the hearts of everyone whose lives he touched. May your memory be eternal. Kalo Paradiso "Deddy".
