George Betros

George Lee Betros
May 7, 1927 – May 5, 2014

George Lee Betros, 86, of Waco, passed away Monday, May 5, in Providence Hospital after a lengthy illness. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday at OakCrest Funeral Home.

George was born in Waco to Sam Saleem Betros and Willie Mae Cunningham Betros. He graduated from Waco School Year in 1945. After attending Allen Academy in Madisonville for two years, George served in the U.S. Navy. He returned to Waco and operated Betros Café and Betros Lounge. He also later opened his own tile company. In 1966, he opened George’s Restaurant at 1925 Speight which he operated until 1993.

He was active in the 32nd Degree Masons and Karem Shriners, Assyrian Association, and was a member in the American Legion for over 60 years.
George married Ramona Sue Wallace in 1957 and they had three children, George Lee Jr., and Samuel Ray, and Michelle Denise. He loved to cook and serve the public, and George’s became a Waco landmark.

His customers became his devoted friends that he cherished all of his life. George had a heart of gold, and would gladly help those in need unselfishly. He will be greatly missed by his many friends, and especially by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, George Lee Jr.; and a sister, Sadie Mae.

George is survived by his wife, Sue; son, Sam Betros; daughter, Michelle Cleavelin and husband, Keith; grandchildren, Samuel Christopher Betros, Anna Elizabeth Betros, Crystal Sue Beals; great-grandchildren, Madelyn Betros, Samantha Beals, Layla Beals, and Jaxon Beals, all of Waco; brother, Donald Betros of Lorena; and a sister, Adele Lewis of College Station.

The family extends thanks to Atrium Nursing Home of Bellmead for their loving care and to Sammy Citrono and Paula for their support.