He was a sincere Christian man, dedicated husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He always saw the good in other people and tried to improve the lives of people who needed encouragement.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Michel and Helen Caristianos; infant sister, Haricklia; sister, Mary McCaffarty; wife, Marge Caristianos; and son-in-law, Larry Cummings.
Loving survivors include his younger sister, Michae Stathakis of Houston, Texas; five children and spouses, Nancy Cummings and the late Larry Cummings, Rollin Caristianos and wife Mary, Carolyn Russell and husband John, Rebecca Kaczenski and husband Gregory, Rosemary Scherer and husband Dave; eleven grandchildren, Jason Cummings (Elizabeth), Ken Cummings, Andrea Caristianos, Caristiana Hoey (Murty), Cody Russell, Scott Kaczenski (Kimberly), Christopher Kaczenski, Nicholas Kaczenski, Nicole Kaczenski, Ashley Gunnin (Jason), and Joe Scherer; nieces and nephews include, Kathy and Ted Thompson, Mary Ann McRae, Laura and Jeff Cherry, Mike and Diane Latimer, Patty Latimer, Mary Frances and Jim Brown; seven great-grandchildren, Caleb, Cole, and Alexa Roystuart, Aubrey and Emory Gunnin, Alex Kaczenski, and Carter Cummings; and Mary Pace Chastant, his loving friend and caregiver. She made his life beautiful and cheerful in his final years. Other dedicated caregivers were Lille and Linda Middleton, who loved him. George Caristianos was a blessed man, whom we know is now with the Lord.
George was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church from his youth, where Greek families who had no Greek church yet attended. He was a 21 year member of the vestry, lay leader, prayer service reader, chalice bearer, usher captain, elevator operator, greeter, and server at Jackson House.
George was a volunteer in many other aspects, and organizations in the community including Oaklawn Lions Club, where he was a charter member, with 35 years of perfect attendance. He served as president and held all offices in this club. He also collected eye glasses for the “sight for the blind” project for many years.
George followed his wife, Margie’s term as Hot Springs City Alderman. He was a member of the Garland County Retired Teachers Association and served as president for one term.
He was a devoted husband to his wife Marge, who together reared five loving children, served the schools and community, traveled the US and Europe where George sometimes played tennis tournaments along the way.
He was inducted into the Arkansas Tennis Hall of Fame in 2007. That same year the Kimery Tennis Facility was named in his honor.
A book “Sentimental Journey” was written in 2002 on George and Marjorie Caristianos life. It will be displayed at the reception. George and Marge were married 56 years. They had a happy marriage because they served the Lord, had similar goals, strict personal discipline, and were good examples to their children, their students, and the community.
George always cared deeply about his students and focused on the good qualities in others.
The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.grossfuneralhome.com.
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