Theodore A. Karres
April 22, 2026
CHARLOTTE – On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Theodore A. Karres (Theodoros Andreas Kariyiannis), at the age of 91, fell asleep in our Resurrected Lord, Jesus.
Theodore was born on September 19, 1934, the second child of Andreas and Panayiota Kariyiannis in Karyes, Laconia Greece, and grew up in the village with his siblings Konstantinos (Gus), Kalliope, and Nikos. After World War II and the strife that followed in Greece, he embarked on a transatlantic journey to America in 1955, arriving at Ellis Island, and then moved to Chicago, Illinois.
On June 28, 1958, in Charlotte, North Carolina, he married Demetra V. Karres of Sparta, Greece. They moved to Chicago, where they welcomed their first two children, Pamela and Andrew.
In 1967, Theodore and Demetra moved to Charlotte, where they welcomed their son George and founded Mr. K’s Soft Ice Cream and Hamburgers, which became an iconic Dilworth restaurant known for its hamburgers, shakes, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Theodore was a gregarious person who loved spending time with people, sharing stories, learning about others’ lives, telling jokes, and finding light in life. In the Charlotte community, he was known as “Mr. K,” and wherever he went, someone would inevitably shout, “Hey, Mr. K!” and run up to shake his hand, give him a hug, and speak with him.
He loved serving his customers for fifty-three years, and they loved him. It brought him great joy to give their children ice cream and watch their faces light up with delight. During Hurricane Hugo, the restaurant was one of the few places with power, and he was there every day serving customers until the food ran out. Each day, he restocked supplies with the help of his daughter Pamela, who drove from Raleigh with supplies so people could be served the next day.
After retiring, he remained active by volunteering in the cardiac unit at Atrium Health CMC Main, where he visited patients, spoke with them and their families, and encouraged them as they faced health challenges.
He loved being a member at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and participating in the Greek Festival. Each year, he looked forward to greeting guests at the front door, spending time with fellow volunteers, and reconnecting with past customers. He was also a member of AHEPA Marathon Chapter No. 2 and a life member of the Adelphotis Arahoviton Karyae, Gastonia.
His greatest love was for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He cherished time with them, sharing stories of his childhood in the village and how he met his wife, Demetra. He especially loved cooking meals and gathering the family around the table to share their lives.
Theodore is survived by his sons, Andrew Karres and George Karres and his wife, Vasiliki; his grandchildren, Demetra, Theodore, and Andrew; and grandchildren, Louis and Mimi Dizes (George Dizes, their father); his brother, Nikos A. Karres (Kariyiannis) of Karyes, Greece; his sister-in-law, Tina Karres of Florida; his sister, Kalliope Sarris and her husband, Dimos of Chicago; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Andreas and Panayiota; his wife of sixty-four years, Demetra; his daughter, Pamela Karres Dizes; his brother, Gus Karres; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Panos and Christine Diamaduros; his uncle and aunt George and Mary Kakaris; and his best friend, Peter J. Couchell.
Our family thanks our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, for Theodore’s life and for his love as a husband, father, and grandfather. We are also grateful to His servants, Reverend Dr. Father Jonathan Resmini, Reverend Fr. Elefterios Plevrakis, Fr. Dr. Robert Lawrence, and Fr. Chris Kerhulas, for their love and guidance.
We thank Dr. Peter Copsis, Dr. Nasfat Shehadeh with Carolina Oncology Specialists and the doctors, nurses, and staff at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Harris Hospice unit, whose compassionate care brought comfort and solace to our father and our family. We also thank the many people who prayed for us and expressed their love through words and actions. Eternal be his memory. Christ is Risen!
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Building Fund, 600 East Boulevard, 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 may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Mr. K ,
You will be deeply missed. Growing up we walked and got the best hamburgers and sundaes . Condolences to your family. -
The Karres Family has been an integral part of my husband's and my life for over 44 years and our children's as well. The love shown to us by Mama and Papa K will forever be cherished. Praying for continued strength.
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Mr. K’s will always hold a special place in my heart—not only because Mr. K was such a special man, but because it represents a childhood full of cherished memories. My daddy and I frequented Mr. K’s often, and Mr. K made me feel like part of his family, always greeting us by name and with a smile that lit up the place.
As an adult working in the area, I continued that tradition, eating lunch there at least once a week. When Pam and George took over, that family feeling remained. Through the way they loved and cared for their customers, it was clear that Mr. K loved his children well and taught them that family is not defined by blood alone.
The world was a better place because of Mr. and Mrs. K, and I am a better person for having known them. My deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved him. -
We are saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. K. He was a big part of our lives when we lived on Magnolia Avenue in Charlotte. Frank knew Mr K and his family since his childhood. Mr K’s was one of our favorite places to go and our children were able to enjoy knowing him and Mrs. K as well. We are keeping all the family in our thoughts and prayers. Please call if you need anything.
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May Mr. Kay's memory be everlasting.
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Sharing thoughts and memories of Mr K and his family with their Mr K restaurant servicing others with kindness was and Christianity each and every visit for years always smiling sharing words of Hope and Love from their family from each and every person they encountered every single day Now with our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ And his. Wife and daughter as GID promised and we too shall see him
Again in eternity -
I have such wonderful memories of countless lunches enjoyed at that welcoming Dilworth gem. Rest in peace, Mr. K. And deepest condolences to the Karres family.
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Great place, great man. Southend needs another place like Mr. K’s
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Our sincere condolences.
May God rest his beautiful soul and may his memory be eternal.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family -
Mr K Will Be Missed By All Who Knew Him.
Loved Chatting With Mr KAnd Family, At Every Visit To The Shop. For As Long As I Remember. Always A Great Burger, Double Big K With No Tomato Extra Onion, A Whole Slice, Oinion Rings. Ice Tea And Ice Cream.
Visited Many Times Over The Years, From Child Hood, The 1970s Thru The Closing Of The Shop.
Rest In Peace, Mr K
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