George Francis Zografos, Jr.

Zografos, Jr., George Francis ?born in New York City on July 16, 1918, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2005. George began working for the FBI in Washington, D.C., as a clerk in 1938. During that time, he also attended George Washington University. In 1943, George was designated a Special Agent by the FBI. After a brief assignment to Chicago, he was posted to El Paso, Texas, followed by Alpine, Texas. In 1947, he was transferred to the Knoxville office where he served until he retired in 1976. George was an avid baseball fan, especially of the Yankees. In high school, he was the star pitcher (a left-handed one) when his George Washington High School team won the New York state championship in 1936. As a result, he was allowed to pitch to the Yankees, including Lou Gehrig, at their batting practice. Between 1938 and 1941, he also pitched for the FBI baseball team and later pitched for the Alpine Cowboys from 1945 to 1946. His team jacket now belongs to the memorabilia collection of the Sul Ross State University Library in Alpine. George was also an accomplished musician on the classical guitar as well as a racing car enthusiast and a collector of classic automobiles. He was a member of the East Tennessee Chapter Society of Former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Alumni Inc., the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and the Lake Hills Garden Club. He was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Mary Flaherty (originally from Waterford, Ireland); his father, George F. Zografos, Sr., (originally form Volos, Greece); and his first wife, Marjorie. He is survived by his second wife, Shirley Lowe Zografos; sister-in-law, Sara Mikles; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Eugene and Sue Henderlight, Harry and Barbara Henderlight, all of Knoxville, Jim and Julia Williams of California. He also leaves many wonderful friends, too many to name, but all were special to George. Special thanks to Janie Shaffer and Dr. Bruce Walker, who were like family to George. Special thanks also to Dr. John Acker, his nurse, Teresa, and UT Home Health staff, William Harden and Terrie Mitchell. Family and friends will meet at Oak Ridge Memorial Park on Wednesday for 11 AM graveside services with Dr. Bruce Walker officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Bonny Kate (Howard Pinkston) Branch Library, 7732 Martin Mill Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Tuesday at Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Highway.