George Gus Carras

April 1, 2020

CHARLOTTE – George Gus Carras, 94, passed away at his home in Charlotte, NC, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. George was one of six children born in Pulaski, Virginia on May 7, 1925 to the late Constantine N. Carras and Georgia Tselios Carras.

George left Pulaski in 1943 at age eighteen to enlist in the Air Force where he was a member of the 3rd Mobile Radio and Radar Squadron as an assistant aircraft mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Pulaski to work in the family restaurant. In 1952, the family moved to Charlotte.

George enjoyed photography, and was employed as a cameraman for WSOC in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. He was often in the right place at the right time and witnessed many exciting events in the South from behind the lens. George was convicted and fined $100 for trespassing after filming a sit-in at a Sumter, SC drug store in 1961.  He went on to win the prestigious “Southern TV Photographer of the Year” Award in 1962 from the Southern Newsfilm Association.  That same year, he married the love of his life, Connie Castanes.

After starting a family with Connie, George left the news scene and co-founded Carras & Wallace Realty Co. in 1968, one of the first real estate firms in Charlotte.  Carras & Wallace Realty Co. grew quickly right along with the city of Charlotte in the 1970’s and 1980’s, and eventually became Carras Realty.  George retired in 1989, but Carras Realty operated until 1994. George was a Master Mason and 32nd Degree Scottish Rites Mason. He was also an Oasis Shriner, and active in the early years of the Shrine Bowl.

George spent his winters in retirement woodworking in his garage in Charlotte, and he spent the other three seasons fishing from Sunset Beach Pier.  He loved to cook, especially homemade bread (his mother’s recipe), chocolate cake, baklava, and spanakopita - a family favorite.  George was most happy at Sunset Beach where he had many dear friends.  He relished a good gin martini on the front porch.

George is survived by sons, Constantine George (Dean) and his wife, Cristi of Carthage, NC, Angelo James Carras and Mary Susan Crenshaw of Charlotte, NC; Candice Cherrybone Carras White and husband, Kenny of Charlotte; grandchildren, Eleni and Sophia Carras; Jeremiah and Annabella White; Neely Crenshaw; nieces, Adrian Carras of Weddington, NC, Helene Carras of Colorado Springs, CO and Angela Carras of Charlotte, NC. He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie; son, George Gus Carras, Jr.; brothers, Nicholas Gus, Jim Gus, and William Gus (Bill); sisters, Angeline Gianopulos and Helen Holland. 

Funeral services for George will be private.

Memorials may be made to St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, 5108 Kuykendall Road, Charlotte, NC 28270.

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 can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

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Comments

  • Chad Ascar

    Sorry for the family's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

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  • Susanna Schmitt Williams

    Dean and family,

    From all of us at IMI and PBSA staff we send our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. What an amazing life he led; I'm sure he touched many and left positive fingerprints everywhere! We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

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  • Harry Stegall

    George was one of my all time favorite people. He is with Connie and George Jr. and his good friend Jim Stegall, Emory Stephens, Bill York and others. May you rest in peace our friend.

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  • Harriet and Gene Robinson

    we have been his nextdoor neighbors at sunset beach since 1993. he was a good guy, and will be missed.

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  • kare n broome

    so very sorry for y'alls lost if there is anything I can do for y'all just let me know praying for the families love y'all

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  • Mary Susan Pabst

    So many fond memories of our families together at Sunset Beach. Uncle George was always so warm, funny, and kind...and just plain fun. I know he and your beloved mother are together. My deepest condolences. I celebrate him always along with Aunt Connie.
    With love,
    Mary Susan (Caston) Pabst and Family

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  • Peter J. Thevaos

    My familial connections go way back with the Carras family. i Have known George since his family moved to Charlotte in the early 50's. George's parents were God Parents to my mother's older sister, that is way back (100 yrs.) ! I followed George's career as a TV photographer and remember when he opened his Real Estate Business with Ned Wallace. As a fellow Realtor our paths crossed several times. "May His Memory Be Eternal" and "ZOI SE SAS" TO HIS FAMILY.

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  • Safwat Wassef

    Rest in peace Mr. George and our condolences to the family.

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  • Maria Collias

    I remember, George, well. He did outstanding work with WSOC. I also remember his lovely wife. My husband had told me that George's father was an avid fisherman...and as a young man, he would go by and visit with Mr. Carras whenever he was near Kure Beach. My deepest sympathy for your loss.

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  • Dan Wheeler w/Sub-Zero Group

    To Angela and the Carras family,

    What a wonderful obituary for a fine man. The obituary was so well written and thought-out. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but I feel like I know him now from reading his obituary. Thank you for sharing his long and wonderful life with all of us. What a wonderful legacy Mr. Carras leaves behind for his friends and family. May God be with you during this very difficult time.

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