Ionnis Minas Ioannidis

Obituary

Ioannis “John” Minas Ioannidis, 72, of Wauchula, passed away Saturday afternoon, March 19, 2022 at AdventHealth Sebring.  Born in Athens, Greece to Minas and Kalliopi (Pittas) Ioannidis he moved to Avon Park, FL in 1982 and then to Wauchula in 1985.  John was the epitome of the American Dream.  He and his wife, Ekaterini, were the owners of Wauchula Family Restaurant.  He was a member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Winter Haven where he was very active, especially with the Greek Festival. He was a Master Mason belonging first to Bowling Green Lodge No. 121, F.&A.M .and then Ft. Meade Lodge NO 160, F.&A.M.. and also to Shaib Shrine in Sarasota.  John loved his community, wood working and to hunt and was known to locals as the Greek Redneck and the Bubble Gum guy who will pinch your cheeks.  He loved his family, his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family.  He is survived by his wife, Ekaterini; son, Minas (Angie) Ioannidis; daughter, Kalliopi (Yanni) Bampounis; sister, Mary (John) Emmanoilidis; and 5 grandchildren.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 2pm at First Christian Church, Wauchula.  Family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time.  Arrangements with Fountain Funeral Home, Avon Park.