Ernest "George" Stavropoulos

LCDR. Ernest “George” Stavropoulos, (USN Ret.); 81 of Germantown, Tennessee passed away on October 23, 2010 surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. George enlisted in the United States Navy in 1947 at the age of 18 and worked his way through the ranks to become an officer. After a distinguished career in the Navy, he retired in 1970 and moved his family to Memphis. He then embarked on a career in sales and management in the auto industry. He was an avid deer and duck hunter, fisherman and golfer. He served as President of the Raleigh Kiwanis Club for many years and enjoyed fundraising and helping others less fortunate. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. George’s sense of humor, his generosity and his zest for life will be remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Juanita (Jay) Martin Stavropoulos; daughters Julie Richards (Harry), Stacy Hayes (Michael); sons Thomas (Linda), Michael (Tami) and Richard (Renee) Stavropoulos; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Sophia Stewart of Reading, PA and a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents George A. Stavropoulos and Myrtle Harrison Stavropoulos, sisters Estrella Babczak and Frances Gaul. The family will receive friends 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 26, 2010 and funeral services will be 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2010 both at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens – Poplar Avenue. Interment will follow including Honored Military Services at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please visit www.memphisfuneralhome.net where condolences may be expressed to the family.