George Andrew Orphanos

On March 16, 2026, George Andrew Orphanos, age 75, of Hoover, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home in the care of his family. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 31, 1950 and grew up in Norwood and Homewood.

George spent much of his life as a man on the move. He traveled the world, visiting Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, France, Hong Kong, and many other places. The family business in Panama City Beach was his second home where he loved surfing and boating. His pursuit of adventure took him from the depths of the ocean as a scuba diver to the wide open skies as a licensed pilot. His love of driving began early—he started driving a school bus at just 16 years old. He picked up his own friends on his route and brought everyone to school.

George earned his bachelor’s degree from Samford University and a master’s degree in business from the University of Montevallo. As as educator for more than 40 years, he first taught history and later driver’s education at Berry High School and Hoover High School. He also served as an assistant coach to Bob Finley for the Berry High School girls’ basketball team. George had a remarkable gift for connection—wherever he went around town, he seemed to know someone. Even in retirement, former students from the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s would recognize him and stop to say hello.

He was a competitive bowler and once competed in a tournament in Las Vegas. He also participated in many Bus Roadeos and earned numerous trophies. George loved golfing, and when his daughter Maria took up the sport, he proudly attended every one of her matches and tournaments.  George enjoyed coin collecting, Star Wars, and science fiction. He was a gifted storyteller who delighted children and grandchildren with tales from personal and family history. Among their favorites were stories about how his mother helped the Greek Underground pass military secrets to the Allies during World War II, and how he once enthusiastically tested a newly paved driveway at Berry High School and inadvertently tilted a bus onto two wheels while navigating a curve.

George and his wife, Dalen, were instantly and completely smitten with one another from their first date. Together they built a life centered on family, facing triumphs and challenges with unwavering determination and standing steadfastly by each other’s side. They rebuilt Andy's Motel in Panama City Beach after Hurricane Opal and worked the business together. No matter what life brought their way, they met it together, bound by a deep and enduring love. George cared faithfully for his mother and aunts in their later years and maintained close friendships with many members of his church community like Mary, Phyllis and John Diamantakos. He spoke daily with John until his passing in 2016. George loved Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral and participated in the Greek Food Festival whenever he was able. He was also a lifelong member of AHEPA Chapter #3. At home, Dalen affectionately gave him the nickname “St. George” for his unwavering drive toward righteousness. He took care of her, too, as her health deteriorated. His noble example inspired his children to care for him with the same love and devotion in his final years.

George is survived by daughters Melissa (Jean-Philippe), Melanie, and Maria (Matthew); his son Raymond; and grandchildren Emilee, Alexa (Michael), Lorenzo (Heather), Zach (Rhiannon), David, Sam (Liz), Tristan (Anastasia), Sintrez, Lola, Remi, and Zoey. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Tamarra, Luke, Finn, Atticus, Eleanor, Sophie, and Juniper, and even a great-great-granddaughter, Elaine. He is also survived by cousins Jimmy (Stephanie), Tootsie (Barry), and George (Maria), as well as dear friends, Grover, Victoria, Arthur and Svetlana.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dalen and son Andrew George; his parents Andrew and Agape Orphanos; his beloved aunts Natalie, Olympia and Helen; and his cousin Georgia.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The family will receive friends for visitation at Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral beginning at 10:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Elmwood Cemetery. Following the burial, a Makaria meal will be served at the church banquet hall.

George will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his devotion to family and faith, and the countless lives he touched as a teacher, mentor, and friend. Any flowers delivered to Patterson Forest Grove Funeral Home must be received no later than Wednesday March 25th in the afternoon. Flowers may also be delivered to the church Thursday morning the 26th

Patterson-Forest Grove Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Orphanos family during their time of bereavement. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pattersonfuneralhomes.com

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