Bill Pete Pappas

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our father, Bill P. Pappas, 80, on May 17, 2026, in Fayetteville. Mr. Pappas is survived by his wife, Maria G. Pappas, and children, Debbie Harris, Peter Pappas, and John Pappas.

Mr. Pappas had a commanding personality, strong-willed and unyielding, as many newcomers to this country were, out of necessity, trying to survive. Since his immigration to the United States in 1968, he has approached every task and challenge with determination and persistence. He built a reputation for candor, telling it like it is and never retreating from his convictions. His entrepreneurial spirit was demonstrated throughout his restaurant business, where he developed systems that made his operations both profitable and teachable to others. Operating his restaurants became the core of his existence from their inception until his retirement in 2007. More than businesses, his restaurants became gathering places where friendships were formed, and stories were shared over decades. His customers became friends, and Mr. Pappas was not only a great listener but a gifted storyteller who enjoyed recounting his origins in Greece and his journey adapting to life in the United States.

In 1976, he married Maria B. Gibbons and found a lifelong partner who stood faithfully beside him as they built both their business and their family together. Their marriage was strengthened with the birth of their sons, Peter and John, beginning in 1978. Mr. Pappas was a steadfast provider who allowed little to stand in the way of his responsibilities to his family. He placed great emphasis on his sons’ education and their development as good men. His persistence and discipline extended beyond his immediate household to his larger family of cousins and his brother-in-law, many of whom joined him in business as owner-operators. Pride, determination, sacrifice, and resilience were the cornerstones of his American Dream.

Born in Stenoma, Everytanias, Greece, to Peter Aristidis Papaspyros and Fotini Papaspyros on September 25, 1945, Bill was raised alongside his siblings George, Daphnula, Vasiliki, Aristea, Aliki, Eleftheria, and Athan. He is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Fotini Papaspyros, George, Daphnula, and Vasiliki. Though he built his life in America, Greece never left him. He was conscripted into the Hellenic Army, where he served in several roles until his release in 1967. His love for his heritage and faith remained deeply important throughout his life. Mr. Pappas was a member of Velouchi Chapter no 2 and was recently honored as a Lifetime Member of the Order of AHEPA Chapter no 9. In addition to these memberships, he was a consistent supporter of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Fayetteville and contributed to the renovation of churches in his hometown in Greece, never forgetting where he came from.

When he was not working, Mr. Pappas enjoyed the quiet of his home with a view and enjoyed mornings, hosting friends for coffee and making his daily phone calls to check on his children. These calls often managed to get their blood pressure up a bit, as many children of newcomers to this country can attest. Whenever you visited his home, the Greek television station would be blaring, with the fast-talking newscasters chattering away in a pace difficult for anyone else to follow. Mr. Pappas also had an affinity for GMC Motorhomes, owning two of them over the years and enjoying the challenge of fixing and tinkering with them as a hobby.

Mr. Pappas leaves behind his loving wife, Maria; his sons, Peter Pappas of Fayetteville and John (Yanni) Pappas of Raleigh; and his daughter, Debbie Harris of Statesville. His legacy is ingrained in his children, and may they never forget either him or the lessons he taught them. All of his immediate family were afforded the opportunity to say goodbye before his repose.

S’agapo Baba. (I Love you, Dad)

Services will be held at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, located at 614 Oakridge Avenue in Fayetteville, on Wednesday, May 27. Viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Interment and graveside services will follow at noon at Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street. All are invited to attend the viewing and funeral services to pay their respects as they choose.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to AHEPA Chapter 9, Memo: The Bill P. Pappas Scholarship fund, 614 Oakridge Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28305

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