John Peter Moralis of Mobile, Alabama, fell asleep in the Lord on June 17, 2024. He is the devoted husband of Betty Lou (Strohman), loving father of Rachel, and her husband Joshua Fillingim and Stacy and her husband Randy Johnson. He is the proud Pappou (grandfather) of Brady, Jack, and Sarah. John is the loving brother of his siblings, Angela and her husband Eric Esler of Cape Coral, Florida, and his brother, His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver. He is survived by his aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, godchildren, devoted friends, and in-law family members. He is the son of his late parents, Peter and Sarah (Vrachalus).
Johnny and the love of his life, Betty Lou, met on a blind date in 1975 and quickly knew they were meant to be for each other. They married on September 16, 1978. They loved their hometown of Baltimore, but Johnny wanted to introduce his wife to the southern waters where he spent his summers growing up with his cousins, aunts, and uncles. They boldly moved to Mobile, AL in 1980. Their family was complete a few years later with the births of their two daughters. When asked if he wanted to try again for a boy, he said, "I can do everything with my two girls!" And he did! Johnny loved taking weekend trips to Dauphin Island where the girls learned to boat, fish, and tube.
John was a devout member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. He cherished his time as a youth advisor and Sunday School teacher. His latter years were spent on the Parish Council where he served six terms as President. John joined AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) in 2000 and the chapter honored him AHEPAN of the year in 2009. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the AHEPA 310 Housing Corporations on June 1, 2006, and has served continuously ever since. He was the Chair of Senior Holiday Celebrations and would plan the menu selection, food orders, cooking, and delivery of food items to each of the 12 senior properties in Mobile and Baldwin County. John also served on the Greek Fest committee for countless years, handling all the food supplies for the 4-day event. One of John's greatest honors was being one of the first recipients of the Archangel Michael Award from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta. He now shares this award with both his daughters.
John had several jobs during his life, but his most memorable career was with Sysco Food Service. For 30 years he worked as a sales rep and quickly became one of the top salesmen across the country. He received the top awards for Torchbearer, Chairman's Club and President's Club. He was a man of great integrity which showed throughout his career. John was selected to train and mentor 18 new employees during his time with Sysco. He did things the old school way like writing down daily goals and teaching others to listen first. He always said, "I'm not a salesman, I just go out and make friends with my customers." Even after retirement, his customers are still some of his closest friends.
Our family would sincerely like to thank family members and friends for their continued support, love, encouragement, and prayers during his journey with cancer.
July 17, 1955 — June 17, 2024
Services for John Moralis will be presided by his brother, His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver, assisted by Father Matthew Carter, presiding priest, at his parish of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. John will lie-in-repose in the church with a private viewing for Johnny's immediate family beginning at 8:30 AM and a public viewing from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, the funeral hour. Burial will be held at Mobile Memorial Gardens. Makaria, memorial luncheon to be held at the Hellenic Center, adjacent to the church. The fortieth-day memorial will be on Sunday, July 21 at the Annunciation in Mobile.
