George C. Kaousias

George C. Kaousias, our dad, a mighty and memorable man, died peacefully in his own home in the early hours of May 31, 2025 at age 101. He lived a long life and really enjoyed his old age. We take comfort in that and may we all be as fortunate. He will be forever missed and forever remembered. George’s story was a Greek story that turned into an American dream. He was born in Erythres, Attikis, Greece on October 15, 1923 to Konstantinos Kaousias of Vagia, Greece and Foteini (Sousani) Kaousias of Erythres, Greece. George had immense reserves of emotional and physical strength that amazed pretty much anyone who knew him well. This was hard earned, hewn from an agrarian subsistence early life, occupation of his village by the Germans and Italians in World War II, the resulting cruelties and hunger he witnessed, and then seeing his country fall into a civil war. He later served his country, but was quick to say, “I did what we all had to do”. Through it all, he had a relentless, single-minded focus on getting an education. George immigrated to the United States in 1955 when he married Georgia (Xanthos) after they met on the island of Rhodes in Greece. Sparks flew and they both knew. They had a short courtship and 54-year marriage until her death in 2009. He was amazed at the opportunities this country offered. When he came to America, he started a long career that he enjoyed as an engineer in the telecommunications industry. This career took him from Endicott, NY, Stamford, CT, Milan, TN to Johnson City, TN. After retirement, George and Georgia moved to Knoxville TN. He found things to love in each place. Anywhere he laid roots, he created a haven both productive and beautiful -- with fruit trees, flourishing gardens, herbs and flowers. He loved his tomato plants and fig trees the most. Investing, education, nature, and the deep philosophical questions of life and death were important to him. He was curious and industrious to the end. He talked about a business idea and wanted to set it in motion even in his last days. George had a penetrating intelligence, deep wisdom, a broad perspective and a wealth of knowledge. He was very funny. He could also be irreverent. He was an independent thinker and was not swayed by the opinions or pressures of others. His wife and daughters sometimes cringed with his bluntness and sarcasm. It was a true pleasure to see him live so long, because his hard edges softened to show the deep bedrock of kindness and humanity that was always present. George was as amazed as the rest of us that he made it to 101 and ½. He often said he was 102 (think about it, he was in his 102nd year). He wanted to make it to his October birthday and have a party. We plan on having a celebration of life in October to shine a light on George’s life and his incredible wit and wisdom. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother (Thanassi Kaousias). He is survived by his three daughters, Deena Kaousias, Fay (Manny) Shrock and Tammy (Todd Steed) Kaousias, all of Knoxville; his nieces and nephews and their families in Greece and in the USA, and a host of friends and second families, all who enriched his life immensely. He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, sang in the choir for a number of years, loved reading the epistle in Greek during liturgy when asked, was a founding member of the first Greek Orthodox Church in the Tri-Cities, delivered Mobile Meals until he was a 100 years old, walked on the treadmill at the YMCA or Harvest Town Park every week until he was 101, and made regular rounds to various grocery stores to pick out his beloved fruit and bread. The family would like to thank the incredible medical treatment from many doctors and medical personnel in the last 10 years, with particular thanks to Dr. James Rivers, his long-term primary care doctor. A special thank you to the staff at UT Hospice the last 39 days. The family gives deep, heartfelt thanks to caregivers Heather and Paula, who stayed with George through the night, enjoying late night coffee and toast (and great conversation) in the last 6 weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to the St. George Greek Orthodox Memorial Fund, or an educational organization of your choice. Education was so important to George. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 5, from at 10 am to 11 am at St George Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Kingston Pike, with the funeral service to follow at 11 am, with the V. Rev. Fr. Dionysis Lampropoulos, Archimandrite presiding. Interment will follow at Lynnhurst Cemetery. Online obituary and guest register are available at www.rosefuneraltn.com.

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George C. Kaousias

October 16, 1923 - May 31, 2025