George Constantine Shissias, of Columbia, died October 13, 2024. A memorial service will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow. There will be a private interment at Fort Jackson Military Cemetery. Born in Camden, NJ, to immigrant parents, George graduated from Cornell University in 1957 with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He served in the Army and was honorably discharged as first lieutenant, having run an Officers Club during his military service where he met his future wife June. In 1959 he began his career in hospitality management by accepting a position as manager of Forest Lake Country Club in Columbia. He held that position for 42 years until his retirement in 2001.

George was one of the founders of the Richland County Republican Party. In 1961, George was instrumental in the election of the first Republican candidate to the South Carolina State House of Representatives since Reconstruction. In the early years, victories were few, but George never gave up and worked tirelessly on behalf of Republican candidates to build a two-party system in South Carolina. It was George's grit and determination that contributed to the growth of the Republican Party to dominance in South Carolina, all while managing one of the finest clubs in South Carolina. He was a charter member of the Forest Acres Rotary Club which he served faithfully since 1968.

George was born June 20, 1936 in Camden, NJ. to the late Constantine N. Shissias and the late Alexandra (Kazantzis). He is survived by his wife of 63 years June (Strother), brother Nick Shissias and his wife Sophia, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Surviving also are sons Charles and his wife Marlo Smith, Alexander and his wife Anne (Abercrombie), and beloved grandchildren Hunter Alexander Shissias, Charles Logan Shissias and Janna Shissias.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to The Tunnels to Towers Foundation or MPN Research Foundation.