George Govatos

George GovatosTupelo- George Lee Govatos, 77, died Friday, July 8, 2016 at the North Mississippi Medical Center. He was born June 14, 1939 in a small village of Metamorfosis, Greece to Lee George Govatos and Dena Apostolakis Govatos. George’s father died during World War II when George was one year old. On December 1955, George’s Aunt Helen and Uncle Clem sponsored him to move to Corpus Christi, Texas. In Texas, George became an avid Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys fan. His aunt and uncle raised him as if he was their own child. While attending High School, George enlisted in the United States Army where he received an honorable discharge as a Sergeant. In 1963, he married Patsy Sermas, they had two children, Helen and Lee Govatos. He and his family moved to Tupelo in 1972. George was instrumental in the opening and success of the Ramada Inn and Convention Center in Tupelo as the Food and Beverage Manager.George took annual trips to Greece to visit his mother with whom he has remained very close. He was a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Every morning, George joined his friends and club members for their daily coffee meetings. After retiring in 2004 from the Ramada Inn, George continued to enjoy cooking, often cooking for family and friends.Survivors include two children, Helen Thompson (John) of Tupelo and Lee Govatos of Texas; his mother, Dena Govatos of Greece; two grandchildren; George Evan Thompson and Patsy Thompson both of Tupelo; one brother, Michael Govatsos (Dena) of Tupelo; two sisters, Maria Demotsis (George) and Pitsa Pappadakis (Nick) both of Greece and many nieces and nephews.Preceded in death by his father; wife, Patsy Sermas Govatos; and Aunt Helen Govatos and Uncle Clem Govatos. Visitation will be 4 until 6 p.m. Monday, July 11, 2016 at W. E. Pegues, Tupelo.Trisagion will be held at 6p.m. Monday, July 11, 2016 following visitation.Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Father Simon Thomas officiating. Graveside services will follow at Lee Memorial Park.Pallbearers will be Demetri Pappas, Mac Shelton, Hayden Meacham, Jackson Stewart, Anthony Heavens, Jay Hawkins and John Kyvetos.Honorary pallbearers will be his morning coffee club.Memorial may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 573 N. Highland St., Memphis, Tennessee 38122.Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfunerahome.com .