Thomas James Chulkas

Thomas “Tommy” James Chulkas, 90, of Spartanburg, SC, died on October 25, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on August 13, 1936, in Kalesmeno, Evrytania, Greece, he was a son of the late Dimitrios and Ekaterini Bletzas Tsiolkas.

Tommy emigrated from Greece at 17 years old to seek a new and better life. He was one of the last waves of immigrants to come through Ellis Island. After a brief stay with family in Woodstock, VA, he moved to Brooklyn, New York where he started his career in the restaurant business.

In 1963, he returned to Greece where he met and married his beloved wife, Kiki. They returned to New York City to start their family. In 1968, they moved to Spartanburg and took ownership of the infamous Piedmont Steak House. In 1985, he joined John Davarinos as co-owner of the Clock of Williamston, until his retirement 17 years later.

He was convinced to come out of retirement by his son George, who built the Clock Family Restaurant of Duncan. His vast knowledge of culinary skills was invaluable and his customer interactions were legendary!

He will be greatly missed by his family who were showered by his cheerful snuggles, his wonderful sense of humor, and memories of him tending to his garden and grilling out!

Tommy was the epitome of living the American dream. He came from nothing and built a tremendous legacy through hard work, selfless service, and never forgetting to give to others along the way.

Tommy was an active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and the Order of AHEPA and Evrytanian Association.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Vasiliki “Kiki” Ropodis Chulkas; daughter, Kathy C. Katsadouros (Kosta) of Tampa, FL; son, George Thomas Chulkas (Stephanie) of Greenville, SC; two precious grandchildren, Alexander and Katherine Chulkas; brothers, Nelson Chulkas (Katherine) and Arthur Chulkas (Fotini), all of Greenville, SC. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his three sisters, Panayiota, Irene, and Fotini.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 697 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29303, with a brief interruption for the traditional Trisagion service at 10:45 a.m. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. A graveside committal service will follow at 12:00 p.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Cedarhurst Senior Living, White Oak Estates, and Family Hospice of Spartanburg.

Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Chulkas’ honor to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, PO Box 1107, Spartanburg, SC 29304, or to Family Hospice of Spartanburg, 115 Southport Road, Suite I, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel