Hercules George Amprazis

On the evening of July 14, 2023, Hercules “Harry” Amprazis, age 91, passed away peacefully at home in Clemmons, NC, by his daughter’s side. He was a man who lived up to his big name in strength, spirit, and heart.  Hercules was a resilient, fierce, hard-working immigrant who never gave up. He was born in Kalesmeno, Greece, a tiny mountain village in the state of Evrytania, in 1931.  The name roughly translates to “invited” and that is the way he treated everyone who walked into any of his restaurants or his home.  Hercules was a very social creature and always lit up around people. Hercules fled a civil war as a young teenager after he escaped a capture by guerilla soldiers. The war killed his father and a younger brother.  He first arrived to Greensboro, NC, where he lived in a boarding house with other peers from his village.  Together they worked in restaurants, took English classes, and opened their first businesses.  He eventually made his way to New Jersey, where he owned diners.  There he met his wife, Helen, from the island of Andros, Greece.  As much as he loved his homeland, Hercules was enthralled by the way of life in America and its opportunities. For decades, Hercules and Helen filled their home with people, dancing, food, and love.  Hercules eventually brought over his mother, youngest brother, and nieces to America.  He was happy when others around him were happy and taken care of; until the day he died, he never forgot a relative’s birthdate or name.  He built a beautiful family who he cherished and who cherished him.  He came to North Carolina to be close to his family and especially his granddaughters, who he always said made him proud. Hercules was a member and the former president of the Evrytanian Society of New York and New Jersey and founding member of the Kalesmeno Society of New York and New Jersey. He was also a longtime member of AHEPA–New Jersey chapter and the Velouchi Society of North Carolina. He is predeceased by his wife Helen, his parents George and Evangelia, his brother Kosta, and his sister Zena.  He leaves to cherish his memory: his only daughter, Lisa “Litsa” Bouloubasis and his son-in-law Gus Bouloubasis of Clemmons, NC, his granddaughters Victoria Bouloubasis of Durham, NC and Elina Chen and her husband Jesse Chen of Durham NC, his great-grandaughter Lia Mei Chen, his brother Bill Amprazis and his wife Rita of Lyndhurst, NJ, and dozens of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins. The family wishes to thank Fr. George Kouzelis and Fr. Constantine Shepherd for their support the past few years. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Christopher Madden for his patience and care over the years. Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 20, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Winston Salem, NC, with a Trisagion Service to be held at 7:00 PM.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, July 21, 2023, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Father Constantine Shepherd officiating. The interment will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Hermione Home, Inc., P.O. Box 79177, Charlotte, NC 28271 or Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27104.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.