DAYTONA BEACH, FL – George Papadakos, 84, of Starlight Drive, fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, January 7 at UF Health Shands Hospital in Jacksonville, FL.

George was born in Montreal Quebec, Canada on July 5, 1936, to Panayiotis and Ismini Papadakos. Growing up he enjoyed playing many sports including basketball, football, track and cross country; even icing the neighborhood streets to play hockey. His greatest passion would become soccer, a game he excelled in as a coach and player. He gained a reputation for being a fast and physical goal scorer; setting an area record 42 goals in a single season, and scouted by Scottish professional soccer club Celtic F.C. He redirected his career path into three distribution businesses with his childhood friend Nick. He then became chief accountant for Admiral TV, and later opened Zorba, TV sales, appliances and furniture.

He later moved to the Daytona area, and managed Sunshine Souvenirs for the greater part of his career and into retirement. He met and married his beautiful wife, Stavroula Parais, and they settled in Ormond By-The-Sea, raising four children. His most favorite pass time was spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed watching sports, and was overflowing with generosity to all … he never met a stranger. His true Spartan spirit, funny jokes, loving character, and beautiful soul will be treasured and missed by all. 

He was predeceased by his parents, father – Panayiotis Papadakos, mother – Ismini Papadakos, step mother – Despina Papadakos, and son- Giannaki Papadakos. He is survived by his wife- Stavroula Papadakos, three children – Michael Papadakos, Ismini Chick and Peter Papadakos, along with their spouses, six grandchildren – Sophia, Evangelos, Simon, Maria, Jonathan and Lucia, sister – Yiota Kiriakes, and his many nieces, nephew, uncle, cousins, extended family members, Zeus, and Pep.

Trisagion and funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 12, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Daytona Beach, with Fr. Joseph Samaan officiating. Interment will follow at Daytona Memorial Park Cemetery, Daytona Beach. May his memory be eternal.