him with love, a fitting tribute to his life and what he meant to them. He was preceded in death by
his twin brother, Jimmy, and sister, Pauline Pihakis.
It’s difficult to define the word “legend,” but that’s what comes to mind at the mention of
Sammy Graphos’ name—that, and a smile, of course. His mantra was “hard work - clean living”.
An adoring husband, father and grandfather, his heart overflowed with love for them all.
But his heart was too big to stop there. His friends number in the thousands, for everyone who
ever stepped foot in Sam’s Super Samwiches in Homewood had no other choice. He would
become their friend, and they would come back again and again.
Sammy’s humor was legendary, too. It knew no bounds. And “Life with Sammy” stories will
no doubt be told for generations. A prankster, a storyteller and an unrivaled wit made him an icon
in the Homewood community, where many referred to him as “the unofficial mayor.” His hot dogs
and hamburgers made headlines at home and across the nation as well as on a few TV
segments, including a feature on the Food Network’s “Delicious Destinations”.
His love for his wife Sue was unending. They had been married 54 years in September. He
would often joke that they had been “affiliated” for 59 years, having dated for 5 years before
marrying.
He is survived by: his wife, Sue; his children,Ted and Lori Graphos, Suzanne and David
Schoel; grandchildren, Kate and Sam Graphos; brother, Pete Graphos; a niece and two nephews.
He was a member of Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Visitation will be
from 9 - 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 7, at the cathedral, followed by the funeral service at 11:00,
Father Gregory Edwards and Father Paul Costopoulos officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood
Cemetery. At the family’s request, masks will be required. The service will be live-streamed from
the Cathedral: http://www.holytrinity-holycross.com/livestream.php. In lieu of flowers, the family
requests that donations be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society in honor of Suzanne
Schoel and Ted Graphos; 2200 Woodcrest Place, Suite 230, Birmingham, AL. 35209. https://
mssociety.donordrive.com/campaign/Sam-Graphos
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridouts.com for the Graphos family.
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