Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

February 17, 2026

CHARLOTTE – Perry George Diamaduros, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  He was born on February 16, 1939, in Henderson, North Carolina.  Perry was the oldest of three children born to George and Georgia Diamaduros.  In 1949, the family moved to Charlotte and became an active part of the Greek Orthodox community.  

A proud graduate of Central High School, where he played varsity football, Perry went on to attend Duke University and serve his country in the National Guard.  In 1959, he moved to Columbia, SC, to work at Dixie Produce Company before returning to Charlotte in 1970.  There, he worked alongside his father and his uncle, Pete Diamaduros, at the family’s Tic Toc Coffee Shoppe.

On April 24, 1966, Perry married Mary Prattes. Together Perry and Mary raised two sons, George and Dean, who carry forward Perry’s legacy of dedication and love.  His family was his greatest pride, and his grandsons, Perry and Charlie, were the lights of his life. 

In 1975, Perry joined his dear friend George Couchell at Mr.C's, which later changed to Showmars, working first at the original location on Highway 49 and later at the Showmars commissary until retirement.  Their bond transcended business; George was truly his best friend who is closer than a brother, and they shared a deep, enduring friendship throughout his life. 

An avid Duke sports fan in a family full of Tar Heels, Perry delighted in the friendly rivalry that marked every basketball and football season. Each year, the entire family gathered for the Duke-Carolina football game -- a tradition of tailgating and spirited "fireworks" that lasted all the way home.

As a young man, Perry was an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.  From 1988 to 1992, he served faithfully and unselfishly in various positions on the Cathedral Foundation Committee.  He organized and held various athletic events at Karyae Park, Gastonia NC from the late 1960’s thru early 1980’s.  He was also a dedicated member of the Adelphotis Arahoviton, honoring his family’s Greek heritage, and later, St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church.

In his final years, he found great peace within these communities, surrounded by people who loved and supported him.

Perry lived a life of simple devotion to his family, his friends, and his faith. He worked hard, gave generously, and loved without ceasing. He never sought the spotlight.  He will be profoundly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

Perry is survived by his wife of sixty years, Mary Prattes Diamaduros; sons, George Diamaduros; Dean Diamaduros and his wife, Kim; grandchildren, Perry Diamaduros and Charlie Diamaduros.  He is also survived by his sisters, Joan Davis and Tina Maheras.  He was predeceased by his parents, George and Georgia Diamaduros, and brother-in-law, Bill Davis.  

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026, at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, 5108 Kuykendall Road, Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Perry to the National Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org) or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Foundation, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

May his memory be eternal.  

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 621-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.