Chris Pete Strates

Chris Pete Strates, 72, died peacefully on Sunday, March 20, 2016 surrounded by his loving family and friends. Chris was born in Lithohori, Evrytania, Greece. He immigrated to Winston-Salem as a pastry chef from Athens, Greece in 1970 at the age of 26. Chris' strong work ethic enabled him to establish and successfully operate several local restaurants, including the Barbeque House, Westtown Restaurant and Duke's Restaurant where he greeted every customer with a big smile and his signature phrase ""welcome, my friend."" He was an active member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and the Evrytanian Association of America. Chris could always be found cooking in the church's kitchen during its many events. He especially enjoyed hosting the public schools' Children's Day at the church and interacting with the students. Chris married Helen Sialmas in 1980 and had two sons and two daughters. He was a devoted and loving husband and father whose sacrificial love was an inspiration to all who knew him. Chris was preceded in death by his parents Panagiotis and Maria Stravomitis of Greece, sister Christina (husband Vaios) of Winston Salem and brother Ilias of Greece. Chris is survived by his beloved wife Helen of the home, two sons, Pete and Thomas of Winston Salem, and two daughters, Maria of Winston Salem and Konstandina (Tina) of Washington, D.C.; as well as brothers, John (Elizabeth), Gus (Vasiliki), and Paul (Despina) all of Winston Salem, and brother George of Greece; and many loving brothers and sisters-in-law of Greece, nephews, nieces, and Godchildren. Chris' sweet smile, violin playing, love of life and infectious sense of humor will forever live in the hearts of his family and friends. May the memory of the Lord's humble and faithful servant, Chris, be eternal.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Monday, March 21, 2016 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22 at the church with Father Demetri Kangelaris officiating. Burial will follow in Forsyth Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27104.

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