Pete departed this life on November 19, 2009. He was born in Augusta, Ga. on May 3, 1919. Pete enjoyed a full life enriched by the love of his dear departed wife of 57 years Frances L. Tjovaras. Pete and Frances were blessed with two children, a son, Louis J. Tjovaras (deceased) and a loving daughter Ann T. McFerrin (Ernie) North Augusta, SC. Additional survivors are grandchildren Louis J. Tjovaras Jr. (Marissa), Troy C. Tjovaras (Adrian), Amy Nichole Robert, Kelli D. Barksdale (Kevin), Delyn B. Barksdale (Ronald), Dorie B. Hickson (Karl) and Amy M. LaChance (Michael), plus twelve great-grandchildren. Pete was pre-deceased by two brothers, John L. Tjovaras and Gus L. Tjovaras. Pete was a first generation Greek American whose parents Louie J. Tjovaras and Bessie Antonakos Tjovaras immigrated from Greece seeking a better life.
Pete joined the National Guard in 1940 and bravely served his country during World War Two with duties in Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He specialized in anti aircraft detection and later as a combat engineer. Having participated in six major campaigns, Pete later stated, “The hand of God was there guiding me and protecting me all the way”.
Pete is a devout member of the Eastern Orthodox faith being a loyal supporter of the Saint Ignatius Melkite Orthodox Catholic Church and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. He retired from National Distributing as Vice-President and Managing Director. His favorite pastime was golf and was a member in good standing at Green Meadows Golf Club. He also was a member of VFW Post 3200 and Jessie Lynch American Legion Post 71.
The family will receive friends at Platt’s Funeral Home 721 Crawford Ave Augusta, Ga. on Sunday Nov 22, 2009 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a Trisagion Service at 6:30 pm. The funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 953 Telfair St Augusta, GA.on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Fr. Vasile Bitere and Fr. Miguel Grave de Peralta officiating. Internment services will be at Sunset Hill Cemetery Alta Vista Ave North Augusta, SC. Following the internment service family and friends are invited to return to the church for the traditional celebration of life meal.
Pallbearers will be Melet Antonakos, Tony Gianoukos, Costa Mitchell, Chris Nicholson, Sam Nicholson, Billy Rangos, Nick Rivers, and John Wise. Honorary pallbearers will be Kasper Fulghum, Craig Calvert, Peter Fendler, John Hardin, Jimmy Hensley, Winn Hensley, Gordon Johnson, Raymond McKinney, George Mitchell, Nick Rangos and Charles Webster.
Pete requested that flowers should not be sent for his services and stated that a contribution to either church would serve a greater purpose.
The family wishes to express its appreciation to Dr. Sylvia Bucur and the staff of Medical Oncolgy, to the staff of Trinity Hospice; Joyce, Connie, Mary, Dexter, Trish, Nicole, Cindy, Amy, Susan and Renee. Also we wish to express our sincere appreciation to Martha West for her special kindness and loving support.