Demosthenes Demopoulos

Rocky was born in a railroad section house on a frigid February morning in 1924 on the banks of the Missouri River in Montana, the first son of eight siblings to James and Panagiota Demopoulos, Greek immigrants whose sole purpose in life was to raise a family of true Americans. With these humble beginnings, and with their guidance, Rocky had a full and colorful life which included: actor, emcee, master gardener, businessman, and most of all Marine Corps fighter pilot in WWII and Korea. After graduating from Great Falls high school in 1941 he attended Reed College and during his sophomore year was called up to train as a Naval Aviator and commissioned in the Marine Corps. He was released from active duty in 1946 at which time he married his wartime sweetheart Helen. They settled down after college graduation to begin his 41 year career as Southeast Divisional Manager at United States Ceramic Tile Company. His life was again interrupted as he was called to active duty during the Korean conflict. In his flying career he flew 135 missions. He was awarded four Air Medals and a series of citations. His acting days began in high school, continued through college, Little Theatre, and some professional. Rocky was awarded the Medal of St. Paul, the highest honor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for a lay person, twice, in 1980 and 2007, and later in 2007 he was selected the honoree in the Atlanta Metropolis and was bestowed the medal of St. Michael. Rocky was an avid gardener and landscaper. He will long be remembered as the Rocky of Rocky's famous Greek salad at the annual Atlanta Greek Festival. Rocky is survived by his wife Helen Fessopulos Demopoulos, sisters Helen (Wilbur) Easton and Dina (George) Argyres, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 19 at 11:00 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation on Clairmont Road in Atlanta, with the burial in Savannah. Contributions may be made to the Church.



Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033