Dr. George J Fotioo M.D.

He was born on November 19, 1919, in Hot Springs, the son of James and Katina Fotioo. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Marguerite; his parents; his five brothers, Frank, Andy, Angelo, Greg, and Ted; his sister, Lillian; and his brothers-in-law, Sam Stathakis and Deno Pappas.

George graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, Ark. and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Ark. After medical school, he was stationed in Germany where he served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for two years during World War II. He then worked as an intern for several years at Charity Hospital in New Orleans before returning home to Hot Springs.

George served as a physician in Hot Springs for 55 years. He began his practice in the Medical Arts Building in 1945 and was the last physician to vacate the building in 1991. He was very active in the Hot Springs and medical communities, serving on staff at Ouachita Memorial and St. Joseph’s hospitals and as a member of the American Medical Society, Southern Medical Society, Garland County Medical Society, and Downtown Lions Club. He was also a founding and lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Church in Hot Springs.

A true Greek patriarch, George was hardworking and deeply devoted to his family. The love and care he was known to show his many patients were exuded twofold to his family. He enjoyed entertaining alongside his wife, and those attending gatherings at the couple’s home were often times treated to short performances by George on his baby grand piano. His smile as well as his kind-hearted and giving spirit were contagious and will forever be remembered.

George is survived by his three children, Jim Fotioo and wife, Janet, Gina Messersmith and husband, Dan, and Pete Fotioo; and his sisters-in-law, Shirley Fotioo, Lula Stathakis, and Gwen Pappas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jamie Groat and husband, Neil, Nikki Daniel and husband, Ryan, Alyson Messersmith, and George Messersmith; his great grandchild, Noah Daniel; and an extended family and many friends and former patients who love and will miss him deeply.

Visitation will be at 5:30 p.m. followed by a 6 p.m. Trisagion (memorial service) at Gross Funeral Home on Thursday, July 2. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Dr. Nicholas Verdaris of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Greek Orthodox Church, c/o Pete Fotioo, 1135 Airport Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913.