George Tashie

Our father, George Tashie, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his five children and his adoring wife of 67 years, Cecile Pappas Tashie. To his large and ever-growing family of 101 and counting, he was lovingly known as Papou. To his wife, Cecile, he was known as her best friend, her lover boy, and the sunshine of her life.

George's life was not only measured by the 86 years he lived, but by the legacy he leaves behind. His lifelong love story with Cecile began when the two eloped on February 2, 1958, a bold and beautiful start to a marriage filled with devotion, adventure, love, and joy.

At just 17, after graduating from East High School, George enlisted in the Marines, completed basic training at Parris Island, and served in the reserves for 10 years. After completing basic training, he reported to spring training for the Cubs in 1957 in Mesa, AZ. He pitched for the Ponca City Cubs, where he set a record by striking out 17 batters in one game, a trophy still proudly displayed by his family. During that time, he also formed a lifelong friendship with Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams.

George had a natural gift for connecting with people, which made him a standout in sales. He quickly rose to become a top performer with the Jim Miller Sales Company before starting his own successful sales organization, GTS and Company.

While many joked that he "retired" at 45, his family knew better—his workday simply ran from 10a.m. to 2p.m., always ending in time for his daily 3 p.m. racquetball game.

George was a natural athlete. He was an avid snow skier, a nationally ranked senior racquetball player, and played fast-pitch softball for his Greek Orthodox Church team well into his 50s. He also had a sharp eye for opportunity, investing in property in Breckenridge, Colorado, and along 30A long before they both became the destinations they are today.

Yet, his greatest pride and joy came from being present in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cheering them on at countless games and events. His love and loyalty on this earth were to his family—period, end of the story!!!!!

Words cannot capture all that George meant to those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed, but his influence and love will continue to live on in the generations he leaves behind.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Cecile, and his five children, Pete Tashie (Kendall), Stefanie Albright (Jon), Karen Jamison (Robby), Connie Foody (Lance), and Dino Tashie (Chrissy); 23 grandchildren; and 52 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. Brothers Jimmy Tashie (Nancy) and John Tashie, "sister Connie Cotros," and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Carmela Tashie; his brother, Paul Tashie; his sister, Carol Tashie Marts; and his great-grandson, Campbell Martin who we know is joyfully embracing Big Papou in heaven today.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the National Kidney Foundation of West TN or St. Jude Children's Hospital, both organizations he regularly supported for years.

At George's request, there will be drop-by visitation on Saturday, September 20th, from 3:00p.m. to 4:30p.m. at their home and remembrance by family members at 4:30p.m. Celebrating of His Life. There will be a valet service provided for parking. Address: 8925 Winding Way, Germantown, TN. 38139.