George Spillson

George J. Spillson, age 82, a life long resident of Monroe, MI, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 6, 2008. George was born April 13, 1926 in Monroe the son of the late John G. and Anastasia (Ganallis) Spillson. George attended Monroe Public Schools and was a 1943 graduate of Monroe High School. After graduation George enlisted in the United States Army Air Force where he served his country from August 10, 1944 until July 8, 1946. George was stationed in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. After his tour of duty George came back to Monroe and joined his brother and parents in running the family business, The Custer Restaurant was opened in 1918 by his father and uncles. George and his brother Jim ran the business after their parents retired. George decided to venture into business for himself, opening a Venetian Blind business in Wyandotte. The love of the food service business brought George back to Monroe where he opened the Pixie Drive In in 1956. He eventually turned that business into a wholesale company offering sandwiches, coffee and the famous Spillson Rice Pudding. His son John joined him in business. George continued his involvement in the business until 6 months ago when he became ill. George was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo, OH and it’s Young at Heart group. George, along with his brother, were two of the youngest Shriner’s ever to be inducted into the Masonic Lodge #27 F&AM, of which George was a member for over 60 years. He was also a former member of Kiwanis North. On May 14, 1967 George married his beloved wife, the former Sophia Petros, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo, OH. George is also survived by 2 loving sons; John (Alta) Spillson of Monroe and James (Mary) Spillson of Chicago, IL, 4 cherished grandchildren; George, Sophia, Peter, and Christiana, and his brother James (Rosemary) Spillson of Monroe. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1-9 PM at the Bacarella Funeral Home in Monroe, where the Masonic Lodge #27 F&AM will conduct a service at 6:30 PM followed by a Trisigion Service at 7:00 PM. On Wednesday, July 9, 2008 he will lie in state from 10 AM until funeral services celebrating his life at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Memorial Fund, 740 N. Superior St., Toledo, OH. 43604.