Col. Soterios George Manolakis, US Army (Ret.)

Colonel Soterios George Manolakis, age 91, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, following a period of declining health. Born on December 18, 1934, in Wilmington, Delaware, to George and Polytimi Manolakis, George was the youngest of three children. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Peter; his sister, Diane Frangia (Stephen); and Patricia Flood Manolakis.

A proud graduate of the University of Delaware, George built a life defined by dedication and service. He devoted 24 years to the American Cyanamid Company (now Pfizer Corp) and 16 years to the BASF Corporation. Parallel to his successful corporate career, Colonel Manolakis honorably served his country for 28 years in the United States Army Reserve.

Never one to slow down, George earned his real estate license in 2000 and spent over two decades doing what he loved as the Broker/Owner of REI Realty in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializing in commercial real estate until 2024. Outside of his professional endeavors, George found true contentment in the simple pleasures of life - restoring homes, reading biographies and fiction, solving puzzles, and passionately cheering on college football and women’s college basketball. Above all, George was deeply devoted to the center of his world: the family he built and held dear.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra Kay Manolakis. He was blessed with a loving stepfamily: stepchildren Kenneth Singerling of Charlotte, NC; Angela (Singerling) Hancock of Houston, TX; John and Sally Singerling of Columbia, SC; and Monica (Gassmann) Ansfield of Hockenheim, Germany; along with six cherished step-grandchildren: Ellie, Mia, William, Lauren, Anna, and Kaylie. He is also survived by his son, Michael, and his wife Patti Manolakis of Falmouth, Maine, and three grandchildren: Charles, Steven, and Will Manolakis.

A private family celebration of George’s life, accompanied by full formal military honors to commemorate his distinguished service as a Colonel, will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, South Carolina.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Three Oaks Hospice and Andrew Hall for the extraordinary care, warmth, and comfort provided to George and his loved ones during his final days.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.