Bill George

Bill (Vasilios) Chris George passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026 with his family by his side. The youngest of four siblings, Vasilios was born on June 9, 1939 in his beloved Nestani, Arcadia, Greece to parents Christos and Konstantina (Papadimitriou) Georgaras. 

He lost his father at the young age of three years old and was subsequently raised solely by his mother. This early loss led him to stop his studies during grade school to work with his family in the village, later becoming a trained electrician. 

After serving in the Greek Army, Vasilios immigrated to the United States in1963 to seek out the American dream, eventually opening the legendary Bonfire Restaurant on the corner of SW Broadway and Washington in Portland with his brother and cousin. Upon his arrival in America, Vasilios Christos Georgaras officially became known as Bill Chris George.

In 1972, Bill returned to Greece and met and married Sofia Kouloumbou, his wife of 53years. They returned to Portland and started their family, welcoming three daughters: Konstantina (Dena), Panayiota (Pota) and Christina. Throughout their life together, they opened and managed several businesses, including Bill’s Restaurant, Lovejoy Grocery and Deli, and El Dorado Mexican Grill and Cantina.

Bill was best known for his immense love for his family and his community. He always greeted everyone with a smile, teased them with a playful joke, or lent them a helping hand – whatever anyone needed, he was there to provide. 

Bill will be remembered as an incredible husband, father, son, brother, father-in-law, uncle, Godfather, brother-in-law, cousin, friend, and above all, a beloved Papou. He was present for every moment,from changing diapers to attending volleyball and basketball games, and celebrating birthdays and holidays - Papou was always there, front and center with the kids.Bill is survived by his wife, Sofia; his daughters Dena, Pota, and Christina; his son-in-law, Nidal; and his grandchildren, Sofia Nuhad, Shakira Vasiliki, Nidal Jr., Zoi Fotini, and Zane Vasilios.