This obituary was originally published on Rogers & Breece Funeral Home.
George Gus Dais, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away comfortably in his home on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Mr. Dais was born in Williamson, West Virginia on June 27, 1935. When Mr. Dais was three years old, his family relocated to Karpenisi, Greece. After enduring World War II and the Civil War in Greece, he returned to the United States in 1951. In 1962, Mr. Dais received highest honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. He remained an active alumni and member of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.
Mr. Dais was preceded in death by his parents, Gus S. Dais and Alexandra Papacostas Dais and his beloved sister, Fannie Dais Lappas.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Helen Pappas Dais and their three children and their families:
Alexandra Dais Merrell and husband, LTC Philip Ray Merrell, USA, Retired and their four children and two grandchildren, Dr. Laura Kathleen Merrell, Brian Ray Merrell, Jared Dean Merrell and wife, Karissa Davis Merrell and their children, Mackenzie Colleen Merrell and Jamison Ray Merrell and Zoe Elaine Triantis and fiancé, Caleb Andrew Harris, Dr. Dean George Davis and wife, Lara Gersholowitz Davis and their two children, Evan Wolfe Davis and wife, Gabriell Cohen Davis, and Benjamin George Davis, Speridula Julie Dais Barefoot and husband, James Alfred Barefoot and their two children, James George Barefoot and Eleni Louise Barefoot. He was also survived by his cherished nephew, George James Lappas and several Godchildren.
Service to his church was a significant part of Mr. Dais’ life. He served as treasurer, secretary, president and honorary member of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Parish Council. He was also a very active member of both the Evrytanian Association of America “Velouchi” and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). George was a past national president of Evrytanian Association of America. He had served as president of the local Velouchi Evrytanian Association Chapter #2. George was also an active member of the AHEPA fraternal organization was also a past chapter president of the local AHEPA Chapter #9 in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Visitation will commence at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Fayetteville, NC on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10:00 am, followed immediately by the funeral service at 11:00 am, officiated by Father Alexander Papagikos. Interment will follow in Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 614 Oakridge Avenue, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28305.
The Dais family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate individuals who provided exceptional care and support during his final days. A special thank you goes to Adele Tolar, whose unwavering dedication and nurturing spirit brought comfort to our father in his time of need. Her compassionate care will forever be remembered by our family. The family also extends our sincere appreciation to the entire team at Cape Fear Valley Hospice LHC. Your unwavering commitment to providing comfort and support during this difficult time has touched our hearts deeply. Your compassion and professionalism were truly exceptional, and we are forever grateful for your tireless efforts. May God bless you all.
Funeral services entrusted to Rogers and Breece Funeral Home of Fayetteville, North Carolina.