Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 1, 2025

CHARLOTTE - John Alexander Polites, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully November 1, 2025 at the age of 99.   Born on December 22, 1925, in Agia Vlacherna, Greece.  John was the son of Alexander John Polites and Maria Polites.  He immigrated to the United States in 1949, after serving in the Greek civil war, carrying with him a deep love for his heritage, a strong work ethic, and an unshakable faith.

In 1951, John met the love of his life, Lemonia Triantis, and they married soon after.  Together they raised three children Maria, Loula and Alec.  John was also the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom were the center of his life.  He was affectionately known as “Papou” to all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John was a man of profound faith and devotion.  A lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Church, he became an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte upon moving to Charlotte after a brief time in Fayetteville, NC.  He served on the Parish Council for many years and worked tirelessly on the annual Greek Festival.  He was also a member of St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church.  John commissioned the construction of a small church in his hometown of Agia Vlaherna.

Family was the greatest joy of John’s life.  He cherished every moment spent with them, particularly at Ocean Isle Beach, where countless memories were made.  An avid fisherman, he took great delight in teaching his grandchildren the art of fishing, passing on not just skills but his values of warmth, wisdom and unwavering love.

John’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to build a successful career in both the restaurant business and the commercial real estate field.  After initially working in Charlotte for YL Honey at Honey’s restaurant he opened the Greystone Restaurant in 1952.  He would go on to open several iconic restaurants in Charlotte including the original Skyland Restaurant, The Athens Restaurant, Skorpios, the Skyview Diner and Chris’s Deli.  In 1968, John earned his real estate license and began a new chapter in his life with Gibson Smith Realty.  The following year he opened his own company John Polites Realty, where he became well known and highly respected for his work developing and managing numerous retail shopping centers around Charlotte.

A member of the Scottish Rite and a 32^nd degree Mason, John was recently honored for 60 years of service to the Oasis Temple.  He also served on several bank boards including Security Bank and Lincoln Bank locally, further demonstrating his commitment to his community.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lemonia, his parents and his son-in-law, Ronald Wheatley.  He is survived by his daughters Maria Polites Wheatley, and Loula Polites Plyler (Jim) and son Alexander John Polites (Windy).  His grandchildren Johann Wheatley, Robert Wheatley, Evan Wheatley, Lindsay Plyler Martin (Wes), James Plyler, Jr.,(Gatsey) John Robert Plyler (Anna), Alex Polites Guy,( Derek) Kinzey Polites Ledford (Rion) and John A. Polites (Lindsey). Numerous nieces, nephews and God children

The family would like to thank from the bottom of their hearts Takoya Watkins for her devotion, tender love and care she gave our dear Papou the past three years.

In addition special thanks go to Dr. Peter Copsis for his medical care and personal attention he gave to our Dad for many many years.

Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The family will receive friends at the Cathedral beginning at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials can be sent to Panagia Prousiotissa Chapel, Elatos Park, 124 Jim Parker Drive, Monroe, NC 28110 or Holy Trinity Altar Fund, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

John will be remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, generosity and strong character.  MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL.

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