Philip Tony Sarris

Philip Tony Sarris, 98, passed on to eternal rest peacefully at home August 3rd, 2026. Known to all by his nickname "Pike", he was born in Fernandina, FL in 1928. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and dear friend to many. He is preceded in death by his parents, Antonios and Xeni who immigrated to America from Symi, in the Dodecanese Islands of Greece; and his siblings: Ellen, Steve, Minas and George.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 73 years, Lillian, sister-in-law Athena Sarris, his children: Xeni Mercer (Mark), Anthony Sarris (Tina), Tom Sarris, and George Sarris (Sophia); his grandchildren: Richard Mercer (Vera), Mariellen X. Craver (Scott), Christopher Mercer (Lauren), Michael A. Sarris, Thomas Sarris and Katherine Sarris; along with five great grandchildren, many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.

At their beloved childhood home on the St. Johns River, Pike and his brothers learned the art of boat building from their father. Their specialty was shrimp trawlers. After graduating Ketterlinus High School, Pike graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology earning his degree in Civil Engineering. Pike began his career at Southern Railway (later Norfolk Southern) as a Georgia Tech co-op student and he retired 38 years later as Assistant Chief Engineer of Design and Construction.

Pike's life was rooted in service and camaraderie; both to his country and his church community. Early in life he served as an altar boy and was an avid athlete in high school and college. Pike served in the Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War. His love of sports led him to coach youth sports where he and his dear friend Mike Balsamides created a baseball/softball field and started boys and girls ball leagues. Pike and Mike also co-chaired the gyro booth at the annual Greek festival. He was a recipient of the Archangel Michael Award. He was a livelong member of AHEPA and awarded Ahepan of the Year for District No. 1.

Pike truly lived a life defined by love, faith, family, friendship, service, and devotion to his community. He loved people and never met a stranger!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta, GA or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in St. Augustine, FL.

The prayer service and funeral will be held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2500 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA. Visitation on Thursday, August 6 at 10am followed by the funeral service at 11am.

The burial service will take place at San Lorenzo Cemetery, 1650 Old Moultrie Rd, St. Augustine Florida on Monday, August 10 at 10am.