David Antonion Chryssanthis' Obituary
David Antonion Chryssanthis was the sixth of twelve children born to Antonion Ioanni and Alexandra Kassumi Chryssanthis, in Limni, Evias, Greece. The year was 1919. David passed away peacefully at his home after an arduous fight with cancer. He lived a vibrant and full life of 90 years. Named after Saint David of Evia he was the very first child baptized at Saint David’s Monastery in Limni Evias Greece.David grew up in difficult times and understood the value of the work ethic. He challenged himself by working demanding and grueling hours to be successful. Although he left home at 14, the ocean becoming his home, he continued to take care of his family in Greece because to him, family was everything. This was the common thread throughout his life.When WWII broke out, he joined the Greek Navy and fought along side our British allies. In 1950, he immigrated to the U.S. and eventually settled in Memphis.Known by many in the restaurant business, David owned The Ship Ahoy, George and David’s and George and David’s East. He was a magnificent chef feeding countless businessmen and women in downtown and East Memphis for 30 years. His style was simple and Spartan but the taste of his cooking could impress the gods. And his style never changed, for as late as last week he was still instructing family members how to spice their homemade sausage.Papou as he was affectionately known is survived by Dorothea Hall Chryssanthis, his loving wife of 20 years, his two beloved daughters, Alexandra Chryssanthis Severson, son in law Lex R, and their son, Andrew C. Severson. Mary Antonia “Toni” Chryssanthis Montgomery, her two sons, C. Clint Montgomery and David A.C. Montgomery. Two loving step daughters and their families, Gail Cockrell (Gerald) and Laura Gregory (George). His brother Chris Chrysanthis (Cathy) of Daly City, CA.Visitation Monday from 5-8pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Services Tuesday at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Highland at 1:00, viewing beforehand.
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