Thomas "Tom" Papoulias

Browns Summit: Thomas `Tom’ Papoulias of Browns Summit went home to his heavenly father on Friday May 5, 2017 after a short illness at home. Tom was born in the Dorchester Section of Boston, MA on October 24,1936 to loving parents Ethel and Zachery Papoulias both deceased. Tom is survived by his wife of 49 years Bobbie Gray Apple of the home, Sister Elizabeth Cleary of Randolph, MA. Brother in Law Jerry Apple of Browns Summit. Nephews Arthur, Charlie and George Cleary all of MA. Nephews Rick Apple and Greg Apple of Browns Summit and Andy Apple of Surfside Beach SC. Niece Merrianne Apple of Browns Summit and many other great nephews and nieces. Dear Friends Jan Gunniss, Faye Powers and Janet O’Brien. There will be a private Family Celebration of Tom’s Life. Tom graduated from Boston University with a degree in aeronautical engineering and entered the US Navy as a Lieutenant. He was assigned to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla. During Tom’s service in Pensacola he met his first `Southern Belle’ and the `Love of His Life’ Bobbie Gray Apple. Upon completion of his military service Tom was employed by the Springfield Armory in Springfield, MA. Tom also worked for MASCO in the Boston area where he was Department Head of engineering. He later headed the closure phase of the South Weymouth Naval Air Station in South Weymouth, MA before his retirement. One of Tom’s great loves was golf, while living in the Boston area he enjoyed playing golf at Ponkapoag Golf Course (Ponkie) where Tom was known as “Pappy”. Tom won several Club Championships along with the Southeast Amateur and the Norfolk County Classic. Tom also played in the Massachusetts Public Links on several occasions. An excellent golfer, Tom was always proud of his 14 hole in ones. After retiring and moving to North Carolina Tom enjoyed the friendships and playing golf at the Wilshire Country Club in Kernersville where he was known as “Boston”. Tom attended the Greek Orthodox Church throughout his life and was very fluent in speaking, writing and reading the Greek Language. During his youth, he went to Greek School after leaving his regular public school. He also attended Friendship United Methodist Church in Browns Summit. Bobbie and the family was very fortunate to have dear friend and nurse Beth Gunniss live in the home during Tom’s illness providing comfort and care for him. The Family will always be grateful for her loving care of Tom whom he always called his “adopted daughter”. During their marriage of 49 years Tom and Bobbie enjoyed their excursions throughout New England, Pinehurst, Augusta, Georgia, Mrytle Beach and for sure, Pensacola. Memorials may be made to Friendship United Methodist Church, 5222 NC 150 East Browns Summit, NC 27214. Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be made to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com.