George John Stathopoulos was born on September 17, 1952 in North Carolina to Greek immigrant parents, John George Stathopoulos and Vivian Markos Stathopoulos. George passed away on January 19, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. George grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and he took his responsibility as the eldest of six children seriously as he helped to care for them. All his siblings looked up to him for guidance. George was extremely proud to talk about his heritage and to state that he was a first-generation Greek-American. George would tell others about his parents and his siblings starting from the oldest to the youngest. In March of 1986, George and Janet were married and he was a devoted husband to his wife for over thirty-two years. He never missed an opportunity to share positive accomplishments and memories about Janet and their many adventures together. The love and relationship they shared is eternal. The proudest accomplishments of his life were his children, John, Vivian, and Chris. He never missed an opportunity to share each child’s latest achievements. Through his guidance, all three of his children received the Archangel Michael Award presented annually by the Atlanta Archdiocese.
George never met a stranger and loved helping out anyone in need. He truly had a servant’s heart. George was a well-respected man having worked as the Senior Planner for the City of Prattville for over 10 years. He was involved with the construction of the historic fountain in downtown Prattville and helped organize the first Prattville City Fest. As the children grew, George was always involved in their sports, schooling, and other activities. In his off time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, being outside, and listening to music. George especially loved watching his sons on the football field, from their YMCA days to Varsity Football at Prattville High School and watching Vivian compete in gymnastics. George had countless animals he cared for over the years. He loved his dogs and cats and passed that love of nature and animals on to his children. He proudly and eagerly started each and every morning taking care of his wife, son, and animals. He enjoyed his time working with Prattville’s Troop 25 having served as den leader and was an integral part of the pack and the troop. George also earned his Wood Badge in Boy Scouts. He loved hiking and camping and took the opportunity to camp with his boys. George took great pride in helping his sons become Eagle Scouts. George was a devout Greek Orthodox Christian and was on the Parish Council for numerous years and served as the President for several terms. George was a Sunday School and Youth leader at his Church. He enjoyed devoting his time to planning lessons and teaching Sunday school classes. George directed the GOYA youth group for years and drove the youth to various events such as serving lunch at the Salvation Army to the annual GOYA volleyball tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. His last Sunday, he enjoyed working in the altar with Father Paul. George was also a member and former President of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) whose mission is to promote education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. George lived the AHEPA mission and his love and support will be deeply missed by all.
Visitation will begin Tuesday January 22nd at 5:00 PM at Ridout's Prattville Chapel followed by 7:00 PM Trisagion (Greek Orthodox Church) Prayer Service in the funeral home chapel.
A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday January 23rd at 10:00 AM at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Montgomery with Father Paul Lundberg officiating. Burial will follow in Prattville Memorial Gardens.
Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 1712 Mt. Meigs Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36107 or the Helen Keller Foundation 1201 11th. Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35205.
