Nick Theos '56, who had a long and distinguished career as an educator in Charleston, S.C., died on April 26 at a hospice home in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. He was 75. Details...
The Theos Arch at Rhodes Stadium was named in his honor in 2001, recognizing his dedication to young people.
Theos had a distinguished career as principal of Bishop England High School in Charleston. As principal, Theos drew on the lessons he learned as the son of a
Greek Orthodox immigrant mother in a poor area of North Charleston that
he called “The Bowery.”
Theos was recruited
to play football at Elon by John L. Georgeo, Elon class of 1946, who coached football at
a Mt. Pleasant, S.C. high school.
Both Theos and his close friend Furman Moseley played guard
on the Elon squad for coach Sid Varney. Varney called Theos “a truly
outstanding player” and a leader who always knew what to do on the
field.
The Theos family will receive visitors Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church of Holy Trinity, 30 Race St., Charleston, S.C. The Trisagion service will begin at 7 p.m. at the church. The funeral will be at 12:30 p.m., Monday, April 30, at the church. Arrangements are being handled by the James A. McAlister Funeral Home in Charleston.
When he began school, he didn’t speak a word of
English. Even though his parents struggled to make ends meet, his
mother insisted on music lessons, which helped Theos develop a lifelong
love of classical music. He later went on to sing with the Charleston
Symphony and win honors as the top baritone in state competition.
Theos is credited with building the new Bishop England High School
campus on Daniel Island. When he retired in 1999, after 27 years at the
school, he was honored with the Benemerenti Medal, a papal medal first
bestowed by Pope Pius VI in the 18th century and given in recognition
of service to the church and society. The former bishop of the Catholic
Diocese of Charleston, the Most Rev. David B. Thompson, conferred the
title of “honorary bishop” to Theos in a school assembly.
“You know his last name, Theos, is Greek for God, and Nick has many
godlike qualities,” said Thompson, in praising Theos’ strong beliefs
and courage. Theos was an advocate for values-oriented education, and
insisted on programs that gave students a sense of morality and
discipline. Enrollment flourished under his leadership and SAT scores
were above the national average.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to:
– The N.J. Theos Scholarship Fund, Bishop England High School, 363 Seven Farms Rd., Charleston, S.C. 29492
– The Endowment Fund of the Greek Orthodox Church of Holy Trinity, 30 Race St., Charleston, S.C. 29403
– Hospice House of Charleston, c/o Hospice of Charleston, 3870 Leeds Ave., North Charleston, S.C. 29405