George was born in Tripoli, Greece, to Chris Papadopoulos and Vasiliki Kliros on January 8, 1935. He immigrated to America with nothing but dreams of a better life in 1956, sponsored by his Uncle, Charles Kliros, and eventually became a citizen. As he learned English, he spent his days working in the Majestic Diner, where his specialty was cutting fresh meats for the week and short order cooking to perfection. There, he was affectionately given the nickname “Junior” because he was the youngest person named George working at the diner at the time.
In 1960, he met his future wife at the Majestic, Marika Paulatos, of Charleston, South Carolina. When she moved to Atlanta to live with her Aunt Dorothy Bowzard, she would spend her days at the counter watching him perfect his art form in the kitchen. George and Marika dated for three years before marrying in Charleston, South Carolina on February 23, 1963. Together, they lovingly raised four children in Atlanta, Georgia, as George worked year round at the diner to provide better opportunities for them.
In 1969, George bought the Majestic on Ponce de Leon with partners Nick Bitzis and Kleomenis Kliossis. Also Greek immigrants, they had a taste for “food that pleases”. He poured his time, talents, and love into the Majestic, simultaneously managing the food line and the grill at once as his meals cooked to perfection. In January 1999, after 43 years at the iconic Atlanta landmark, George sold the Majestic to his newest partner. After he retired, he split his time between Atlanta and Greece, and watched his grandchildren grow up.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Vasiliki Papadopoulos, his three sisters Toula Apostolakis, Voula Andriola, Sophia Tsamolias, and his loving wife Marika Papadopoulos.
George is survived by two sisters, Nitsa Cassandras and Anna (Nick) Letsos, both of Atlanta, his four children, Kiki (Michael) Missailidis, Pete (Charlene) Papadopoulos, Chris (Bob Cooper) Papadopoulos, and Nicko Papadopoulos. He has five grandchildren; Yeoryia Papadopoulos, Stephen Missailidis, Marika Papadopoulos, George Missailidis, and Marika Missailidis, as well as many nieces and nephews in Atlanta, Kansas City, California, South Carolina, Chicago, and Greece.
Pallbearers will be Stavro Lazos, Mike Andriola, Vasili Iskos, Stephen Missailidis, George Missailidis, and John Costopoulos.
Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022, at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta, Georgia. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 20, 2022, at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta, Georgia. There will be a committal service at Arlington Memorial Park following the memorial service. Arrangements are made by H.M. Patterson & Son - Oglethorpe Hill Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation at 2500 Clairmont Road Atlanta, Georgia 30329.
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