Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 27, 2021

CHARLOTTE – Sam Paul Nixon, 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 surrounded by his three daughters. A native of Viniani, Evrytania, Greece, he was born April 19, 1938, the son of the late Paul and Helen Nikopoulos (Nixon). Sam immigrated to the United States from Greece at the young age of 8. He lived in Greenville, NC where he graduated from Greenville High School and attended East Carolina University. Sam moved to Charlotte where he successfully ran and owned the Village Restaurant for over 38 years. He was a longtime member and dedicated volunteer of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Sam was a member of the Evrytanian Association of Viniani and also served as a Mason and Shriner.

He was passionate about the outdoors, working in his yard for hours and admiring his fig trees. Sam enjoyed listening to 50’s music and loved to shag dance, a regular on any dance floor. He liked to talk endlessly about his home in the mountains of old Viniani, his adventures playing the tables at casinos, dreamed about the beautiful beaches in Greece, and loved all his four- legged friends, especially his cat, Oliver. Sam was one of a kind in so many ways and will be missed tremendously by his family and friends.

Sam is survived by his three daughters; Lena van Ettekoven and her husband, Henk-Jan, Angela Bisig and her husband, Chris, and Paula Nixon, all of Charlotte; four adoring grandchildren, Johan, Samantha, Julianna, and Gabby as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by the love of his life and loving wife, Bessie, and his two sisters, Annie Hondros and Maria Papageorge.

A funeral service for Sam will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Foundation, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.