On August 5, 2010 Mr. Bill M. Vlass, 82, of Atlanta, GA passed away amongst the love of 3 generations of his family. Of Greek descent, Mr. Vlass was born on October 21st 1927 in Istanbul Turkey and immigrated to America in 1955 with his young bride and their infant son. In America with his beloved and devoted wife Vaso always by his side, they created a new life for themselves and their family. Mr. Vlass was an entrepreneur and true Hellene at heart and fervently proud of his Greek heritage. Along with other business and restaurant ventures, He combined these two passions in the mid-1960’s to create Vlass Import Company, an Atlanta based gifts and decorative accessories company focused on importing Greek vases, statues and artifacts to the S.E. United States. He was very proud of being able to bring a part of his beloved Greek history and culture to his adopted Country. He leaves us with the joy of witnessing the marriage of his first grandchild Vasoula to Spyridon Vasileiou, who were wed on July 18th in Athens, Greece and were visiting while on their honeymoon. They were with their Papou during his final moments. Mr. Vlass is survived by his wife Vaso, sons Mike, Theo and Bill of Atlanta, daughter Elpiniki Dados of Athens, Greece, and eight of the most wonderful grandchildren any man could ever have, Thodori, Vasoula, Theophilos, Margarita, Alexandra, Nicholas, Victoria and Sophia. The family will receive friends Sunday evening August 8th from 5 until 8 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm, at A. S. Turner & Sons in Decatur (404 292-1551) Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation on Clairmont Road. Interment will be at Arlington Memorial Park.
