Socrates Christ Bitsis, born on July 21, 1935, went home to be with Jesus on September 28, 2018, surrounded by his wife and 2 children at the family home. Socrates was a first generation Greek American, born in Nowata, OK to Christ Bitsis and Geneva Carella Bitsis. Socrates graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, TX in 1954 and earned his Bachelor’s degree from St Mary’s University in San Antonio in 1958. During both high school and college, he was a member of the ROTC and joined the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant shortly after college graduation. In the Army, Socrates was stationed in Germany and served in the 1st Battle Group 18th Infantry where he received a certificate of achievement for exemplary Marksmanship. In 1960 Socrates left the service and started his civilian career at Uniroyal, selling shoes. Several years later, Socrates became an entrepreneur starting Bitsis Enterprises, which he owned until the day of his passing.
On July 21, 1973 he married the love of his life, Marilyn Leach, in Hobbs, NM and they had 2 children, Michele Bitsis Sena and Christopher Dee Bitsis. Socrates found the most joy in life, in the role of husband and father.
Socrates was a member of First United Methodist Church for more than 40 years, serving as a greeter and an usher. He was also a pioneer member of the Open Door Sunday School class.
After retirement, Socrates volunteered at Walnut Bend Elementary School as the lunch room monitor. During his 16 years of service, he was affectionately known as “Grandpa” by the thousands of children he served.
He is preceded in death by Christ and Geneva Bitsis (parents), Nicholas Bitsis (brother), and Sparta Bitsis Nigrelli (sister). Socrates is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marilyn, his brother, Demosthenes, his children, Michele (husband John), Chris (significant other Briana Kassiri), his grandchildren – Travis Sena, Campbell Sena, Addison Bitsis, and Brycen Bitsis and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, October 4 from 5pm-7pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and a Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, October 5 at First United Methodist Church Westchase (10570 Westpark Drive, Houston 77042) at 10am, with interment following at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
Socrates requested that in lieu of flowers, donations please be made to Quillian Center, 10570 Westpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042.
