MOLLIS, CHRIS J.

The elite Marine Corps Raiders lost one of its best June 19, 2016. Chris passed away at home. He was 98.

A member of Carlson’s Raiders Sixth Marine Division, Second Battalion, Cpl. Mollis fought his way through the South Pacific at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam and Okinawa alongside the renowned Navajo Windtalkers. Wounded in action, Chris had the pleasure of meeting First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who commented that the Second Battalion Raiders were her favorite group of Marines.

A graduate of Central High School, a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and AHEPA; Chris was a champion boxer in the Marines, was an avid swimmer, was well-known for his fierce Greek Chili and marvelous home-baked bread, grew award-winning tomatoes and was the proud owner of a magnificent bow tie collection.

When he was 12, he had a large garden of flowers and vegetables. He lived near City Hospital and sold the flowers for 35 cents a bouquet. He earned a diploma in Art and Ceramics and retired as fashion decorator for O’Neil’s Department Store. In 1963, he coached his E League baseball team to the Ohio State Championship. His son James won 20 games as a pitcher for the team.

Preceded in death by his parents, James and Marika of Dolianna, Greece; brothers, George, who was an Olympic swimmer, and Leo; and sister, Pauline (Anthe); He is survived by his wife, Demetra; sons, James and Joe; and daughter, Melody Rose Mollis Lindquist (John) of San Antonio, Texas. He also leaves sisters, Angelyne Mathews of Chagrin Falls and Ortho (Chris) Cherpas of Fairlawn; and many nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and neighbors.

Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union Street, Akron, Ohio 44304.