Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 30, 2026

CHARLOTTE – George Angelo Karnezis, 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.  Born on October 6, 1937, in Silimna, Arcadia, Greece, he was the beloved son of the late Evagelos and Demetra (Papoulias) Karnezis.  His journey was marked by devotion—to his family, hard work, his faith, and his community.

On February 20, 1966, in Toronto, Canada, George married the love of his life, Panagiota “Penny” Karnazes, also of Silimna.  Shortly after, they moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they built a beautiful life together and welcomed their two children, Angelo and Saradina.

In 1971, George and Penny founded the Kopper Kettle restaurant, which quickly became a beloved Charlotte institution.  Known for its hearty breakfasts, comforting meals, and warm, welcoming atmosphere; the Kopper Kettle reflected George’s own generous spirit.  He was a natural storyteller, a man who loved to laugh, to share a joke, to sit with friends over a game of cards, and to make every person feel like family.  His charisma was captivating.

He was an avid and accomplished golfer, a competitor of backgammon (tavli).  He loved music, traveling, community, and being social.

George was a faithful member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and a provider and promoter of community.  In 1978, he helped cofound the annual Yiasou Greek Festival, now one of Charlotte’s most cherished cultural events.  He also served as president of the Charlotte Chapter of AHEPA, promoting education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and community service—values he embodied throughout his life.

Above all, George’s greatest love was for his family, and his greatest joy was for his grandchildren.  He cherished every moment spent around the family table, sharing stories of his childhood in Greece and watching new generations grow.  His presence was a source of strength for the entire family.

George is survived by his wife of 60 years, Penny; his son, Angelo Karnezis and his wife, Teresa; his daughter, Saradina and her fiancé, Mike; and his grandchildren, Marc Morris and his wife, Alejandra, Lucas Karnezis and his wife, Cortney; Jesse Karnezis and his wife, Hannah, George Morris and his wife, Claire and Maria Hartman and her husband, Tanner.  He is also survived by four great-grandchildren; his sister, Georgia of Tripoli, Greece; his brother, Sotiros of California; his brothers-in-law, Nikos Karnazes his wife, Toni and John Karnazes, his wife, Anastasia and many beloved nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Stavros and Kostakis Karnezis; and his sisters, Eleni Perimeni and Panagiota Karnezis.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

“God Bless America but don’t forget the Greeks.”

May His Memory Be Eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.