Gus George Pappas

The family and friends of Gus George Pappas give thanks to have been blessed by his life before he passed away on Thursday surrounded by dear friends and family. Gus is preceded in death by his wife Mary Deborah Pappas (Sudduth) and is lovingly remembered by his children Kimberly Haney (Brendan), of Old Greenwich, CT, and Cameron Pappas (Katie), of Birmingham, AL, his four grandchildren Blaire and Lilly Haney, and George and Sylvie Pappas, his dear cousin, Suzanne Nicholson (Nick) of Gulf Breeze, FL, and countless dear friends.

Gus was a native son of Birmingham, growing up in Norwood, the only child of George and Lilly Pappas. He graduated from Philips High School with the class of 65. Gus attended Auburn University earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Mr. Pappas joined the US Navy after graduation and served his country in the Indian Ocean. Gus worked at Lorch Diamond Center and Central Leasing before buying Norton’s Florist in 2002.

The phrase “never met a stranger” likely found its origin here in the Magic City describing Gus Pappas. Gus lived his life focused on kindness and his uncanny ability to learn a person’s life story upon first meeting. He was a dedicated friend to so many people from Greek Mountain, Auburn, and Vestavia Hills. Gus was never shy of a good time and enjoyed celebrating life with his friends and family. He loved the beach and will be fondly remembered on the shores of 30-A. Gus was a man of faith and reflected that in his daily life. He found consistent support from his brothers in Christ at his weekly bible study. Gus was a devoted Auburn fan who attended every Iron Bowl for the past 60 years.

Gus will be remembered as a wonderful father and grandfather who encouraged his children to seek adventure and happiness. He loved to visit Kimberly and her family in Connecticut and was grateful to be able to do so frequently in recent years. One of his greatest sources of pride was that Cameron joined him at Norton’s and they got to run that business together for seven years. Both Kimberly and Cameron count Gus as their best friend and will miss him dearly. Family and friends will honor Gus by living with joy, approaching the world with kindness, and shouting WAR EAGLE!

There will be a visitation at Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow the service at the church in Elmwood Cemetery.