George Peter Chaconas, 97, died at his home in Columbia on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. Born February 7, 1917, in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Peter Konstantine Chaconas and Eftyhia Nicolopoulos Chaconas. George graduated from North Carolina State University and joined the Army in 1940. During World War II, he served as a captain with the US Army Coast Artillery Corps in Panama where he met his future wife, Betty Gene Emmitt, an Army nurse. They married in December 1943, and made their home on Isle of Palms, SC in 1954. Married for 63 years, George and Betty could frequently be seen around the island riding their bikes, taking walks along the beach, and serving in many roles at the Isle of Palms First Methodist Church.

Mr. Chaconas was a forester for Georgia Pacific, a volunteer fireman, alderman, and an active member of his church. When he and Betty moved to Columbia in 2003, they joined Bethel United Methodist Church. George was an avid sports fan and USC Gamecocks supporter.

Survivors include his daughter, Carol Chaconas Truslow; son-in-law, Douglas Neal Truslow; three grandchildren, Chloe Truslow Shafer (Judd), Jean Truslow Morgan (Robert), and Neal Douglas Truslow (Lauren); and great grandchildren, Clarabelle, Stuart, Will, Charlotte, and Peyton.
A memorial service for Mr. Chaconas will be held 3 o'clock, Friday, August 8th, at Bethel United Methodist Church, with The Rev. Todd Davis officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of Carol and Doug Truslow. The family requests that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 807, Isle of Palms, SC 29451; or to Bethel United Methodist Church, 4600 Daniel Dr, Columbia, SC 29206.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Ms. Ida Amour, Ms. Annie Jamison, Dr. Rachelle Gadjadar, and April Inabinet, NP for their care in George's last few years of life; as well as hospice nurse, Kelly Hane.