George V Faklis

George V. Faklis, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. George is survived by his loving family; wife of 58 years, Katie; two children, daughter, Andrea Kopacz, and her husband, Joey, and their daughter Kate; and his son, Vasile Faklis, and his wife, Rena, and their two sons, George and Kyriakos; five siblings, Connie Economos,  Anna Faklis, Nick Faklis, and his wife, Anna Faklis, Michael Faklis; and many friends and extended family will greatly miss him. George had three siblings who are waiting for him in heaven, sister, Fran Tulumaris, and her husband, Tony, and brother in law, Theo Economos.

George was a true gentleman in all facets of his life. He had a pure heart and led with quiet authority. According to his grandchildren, he was the best Papou ever. According to his children he was the best daddy ever. According to his wife he was the best husband ever. According to his friends and extended family, he was simply the best man ever. George was born in Tarpon Springs on June 20, 1930, in his family home. He was the fourth child in a family of six children born to Vasile and Dikea Faklis. Although he was the fourth, he was the one that they all looked up to as the big brother. His gentle soul always made sure to take care of everyone.
George graduated from Tarpon Springs High School and attended college at the University of North Carolina Asheville, but in a time of need left to join the Navy and proudly served his country for four years. When he returned home, he went back to college and graduated with his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Tampa. He worked as a teacher for a few years, but his true passion lay with his family business, Faklis' Department Store and Shoe Repair. He worked in his family owned business right until the very end. During the pandemic he continued working saying, "I am 91 years old, I am not just going to sit at home and do nothing, I am not afraid," and, he was never afraid. He prayed to God and knew that God would always lead him in the right direction. He did not worry because he knew that God had a plan and that everything would work out the way it was supposed to be. He was a good and faithful servant. 
George was a pillar of the community. He served on the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Church Board, was President of AHEPA, a Rotarian, a member of the American Legion,  a member of the Elks Club, a member of the Shriners, a Mason, and served on the Tarpon Springs Civil Service Board, as well as many other civic minded organizations. 
Services for George will be held at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs on Monday, March 7, 2022. Visitation (Trisagion) will begin at 12:00 and services will be at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

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