Obituary published on Legacy.com by Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service - Charlotte on Mar. 26, 2025.

March 24, 2025
GURLEY, AL– Nicholas George Mentavlos, 82, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025. He was born in Gastonia, North Carolina on May 10, 1942, to the late George Nicholas and Rougenia (Jean) Petchios Mentavlos.
Nick was a graduate of Western Carolina University, where he obtained dual degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He became a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, having served in the Vietnam War as a member of the Underwater Demolitions Team. Post war, Nick became a United States Secret Service Agent, who protected numerous Presidents and Dignitaries from 1969-1997. Upon retirement, Nick initiated a corporate security program for Wachovia Bank.
Nick is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marian Garay Mentavlos; children, George Nicholas Mentavlos, Michael Constantine Mentavlos and his wife, Angee and Jean Mentavlos Keighley and her husband, Aaron; grandchildren, Savannah, Nicholas, Sophia, Michael, Amber, Alexandria, Anna Marie, Avery, Julian, Logan, Hayden and William and great-granddaughter, Saylor Rae. He was preceded in death by his sister, Maria Holcombe, and his nephew, Mathew Holcombe.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to numerous individuals and organizations who were involved in Nick's extensive care during the later years of his life. They are Hospice of North Alabama, The Veteran's Administration, and his primary caregivers Shelby Martin and Judy Wood, as well as his faithful friend, Judge Billy Bell.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will be held at the church after the service. Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park, 1200 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Nick to the Alzheimer's Association, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, or Hospice of North Alabama.
May Nick's 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.
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