Rev. Dr. Anthony Nickolas Gavalas

Anthony “Tony” N. Gavalas September 21, 1938 – June 20, 2025

Anthony “Tony” Gavalas was born in Augusta, Georgia, to Nick A. Gavalas, a Greek immigrant from Kalymnos, and Louise Fulcher Gavalas of Hephzibah, Georgia. The oldest of four siblings, Tony grew up in the country fields of South Augusta, where he developed a lifelong love for fishing, hunting, and camping. His childhood spanned both WWII and the Korean War, shaping a deep appreciation for resilience and faith.

Tony graduated from Richmond Academy, then earned a double major in Religion and English at Presbyterian College. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Emory’s Candler School of Theology and later his Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.

He met his beloved wife, Nelle, while teaching English in Aiken County. She was the art teacher, and from the moment they met, they both knew they had found “the one.” They married on Valentine’s Day in 1970 and went on to raise five children: Nick, Vikena, Christa, Fran, and George. Tony later became “Papou” to ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Tony followed his calling into ministry in 1971, serving United Methodist congregations across South Carolina before spending two decades teaching religion at the University of South Carolina. Even in retirement, he continued to preach in North Georgia until early 2024. His ministry was marked by wisdom, compassion, and a deep love for meditative prayer in the Wesleyan tradition—a subject he was turning into a book before his passing.

One of Tony’s proudest achievements was his 15 years of sobriety through the grace of God and Alcoholics Anonymous. He believed that his alcoholism was not a moral failure but an inherited illness, and his freedom came when he surrendered his will to God.

In 2023, Tony traveled with his son George to Greece, reconnecting with his family roots on the island of Kalymnos. It was a trip of deep joy, reflection, and gratitude.

More than anything, Tony cherished the community he built—his family, his church, his students, and friends. He often said he was most humbled by the love that surrounded him. His hope for the world was simple but powerful: that we each take more responsibility, live honestly, and lead with grace.

Tony Gavalas lived a full life of service, love, and faith. He is now reunited with his beloved Nelle, and at peace in the arms of the Lord he served so faithfully.

Tony died peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by family and friends who love him.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 11:00AM at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00AM at the church.

Interment will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 12:00PM at Grace United Methodist Church Cemetery, Union, SC.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, West, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com