George Angelos Pontikes Sr.

George A. Pontikes, Sr. lost his long and valiant 16-year battle with Emphysema/COPD on Wednesday evening, the 24th of February 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Angelos and Mary Pontikes.

George was born in Houston, Texas on the 16th of February 1931 to Angelos Konstantine Pontikes and his wife, Mary George Klaras Pontikes. He was proud to be a native Houstonian and was very proud of his Greek heritage, but he was most proud of his children and grandchildren, all of whom he loved deeply. George’s love for his family was his reason for living. He often shared stories about times spent with his father who emigrated from Nauplion, Greece. Well known and well loved by many, his brother, sisters, and children are often asked, “Are you related to George?” Then their stories begin. His larger-than-life life persona always preceded him and he will be truly missed by all who loved him.

George attended Wharton Elementary, Lanier Middle School, and Lamar High School, where he was an outstanding athlete. He was honored as the only athlete in Houston to be awarded “All State Athlete” in Football, Baseball and Basketball. His athletic skill earned him scholarship offers from top universities in Texas, Louisiana, and Colorado, from which he chose a football scholarship to Rice Institute (now University), where he played under the direction of Coach Jess Neeley on the winning Southwest Conference football team.

As a young man, George was an entrepreneur, first trying his hand as an owner of the Hi Hat. Shortly thereafter he became a Homebuilder, a profession he continued until only two years prior to his death, in spite of his debilitating illness. He was one of the founding owners of CAPS nightclub, still in operation today. He was a Lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, serving on the Advertising and Calf Scramble committees.

George is survived by his wife, Roxy Guy Pontikes; his sons, George A. (Laura) Pontikes, Jr., Christian Guy (Carolyn) Pontikes, and Evan George Pontikes; and by his daughters, Glenna (Jesse) Colley, Paula (Gene) Colley, Pamela (Henry) Beck, Angela (John) Picton, Christi (Walter) Beard, and Mitzi (Jeff) Burns. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Constantine A. (Geri) Pontikes; his sisters, Katherine (Mike) Cokinos and Gail (John) Shannon; 22 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; and his loving sister-in-law, Shelia (Travis) Bozeman. He is also survived by a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and long-term friends.

Honored to serve as Casket-Bearers during the services are George’s elder grandsons: Justin Saunders, Christopher Saunders, Dougie Saunders, Nick Pontikes, Carey Colley, Adger Colley, John H. Picton, Trevor Cook, Taylor Cook, Brendon Burns, Web Beard, and Worth Beard. George’s twin grandsons, Nicholas James and Lucas George, will be with him in spirit.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Connie Pontikes, Coach Gavrel, Carlton Curry, General Mike Cokinos, and John Shannon.

Friends were cordially invited to a visitation with the family from four o’clock in the afternoon until half-past six o’clock in the evening, Sunday, the 28th of February, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. At half-past six o’clock, family and friends shared memories of George during a service of remembrance. Following the remembrances, at seven o’clock, the Trisagion Prayers commenced. Immediately following, all were invited to join the family for a reception

The funeral service was conducted at ten o’clock in the morning, Monday, the 1st of March, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Boulevard in Houston.

The interment followed, via an escorted cortege, in the Oak Hill section of Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston. Following the interment, all were invited to return to the Cathedral for a luncheon.

For those desiring, and lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Mr. Pontikes may be directed to the Pulmonary Care Department of St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, P.O. Box 20269, Mail Code 3-206, Houston, TX, 77225; the Texas Children's Hospital Cancer Center, 6701 Fannin St., Mail Code 1430.00, Houston, TX, 77030; or to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030.