St. John's Cemetery Individual Record

George Elias Pagonis

George Elias Pagonis
(September 12, 1933 -- July 11, 2015)

Section: 73
Space: 2
Lot: 2
Parents: Elias & Anastasia Pagonis
Spouse: Phyllis Pagonis
Place of Birth: Kardamyla, Chios, Greece
Military: Other Military Service
Occupation: Business
Comments: Navy
Current Owner: Pagonis, George Elias
Area: 0

George Elias Pagonis, 81, fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, July 11, 2015 after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his loving family and his beloved daughter, Dina, at his side.

He was the only child born to Elias and Anastasia Pagonis in Kardamyla, Chios, Greece on September 12, 1933. After the end of WWII and the Nazi occupation of Greece, at the tender age of 13, George and his parents came to Pensacola, FL, in 1947, to start a new life and live the American Dream. He was an ambitious and inquisitive young boy and went straight to work sweeping floors in a local liquor store to help provide for his family. 

George proudly served in the United States Navy for 8 years and upon his return to Pensacola attended Pensacola Junior College where he received his A.A. degree. Shortly after graduation George became employed at Gulf Power Company where he worked as a Systems Control Coordinator for forty one years, retiring in 1999. He was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Pensacola, FL and was a proud member of AHEPA, The Scottish Rites, and the Masons. His involvement in both the Greek and Pensacola community was one of his greatest passions along with his family.

George met the love of his life, Phyllis, in 1961, and the couple married in June of 1962, celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary last month. Their family began to grow rapidly with the birth of their first child Eli, followed quickly by the births of their son Stanley, and their daughter, Anna Maria. In 1975, he moved his family to Gulf Breeze, FL, where he resided until his death. George never met a stranger and was loved by all who met him and most of all, his family. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents Elias and Anastasia Pagonis, and mother-in-law, Mary Antul.

George is survived by his loving and faithful bride, Phyllis Rose Pagonis; his beloved children, Elias G. and Dina Pagonis, Stanley G.  (Vicky) Pagonis, Anna Maria (Reed) Gallaher and Nikki Pagonis. He is also survived by the lights of his life, his adoring grandchildren, Daphne Rose Pagonis, George D. Pagonis, Joshua A. Pagonis, Margaret Rose Pagonis, Alexander George Pagonis. He also leaves behind his cousins, Ann Kamburis, Katherine Petrelis, and many other friends and relatives 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 5pm-7pm at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with a Trisagion at 6:30pm.

Funeral services will be on July 16, 2015 at 11:00am at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Pensacola with Father Matthew Carter officiating. Interment will take place at Historic St. John’s cemetery, Pensacola, FL.

Active Pallbearers will be his grandsons, George D. Pagonis, Joshua A. Pagonis, Alexander G. Pagonis and godson, Nicholas Ladikos. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1720 W. Garden, Pensacola, FL 32502.

The family would like to extend special heartfelt thanks to Dr. Benjamin Lloyd for his many years of genuine care, love, and compassion, Dr. Humam Humeda, for the wonderful care he provided George throughout the years, the staff at Fresenius, Gulf Breeze, and to the entire staff at Select Specialty Hospital for their overwhelming support and empathy demonstrated during this difficult time.

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