ATLANTA - Michael C. Carlos -- a philanthropist whose generosity will be remembered throughout the community -- has died. He was 75 years old. <br>
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His contributions are evident at Emory University's museum, which bears his name. <br>
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Carlos died Saturday after battling lung cancer for several years, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Monday. He and his wife -- Thalia -- gave about $20 million to the museum since their initial contribution in 1981. <br>
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The Michael C. Carlos Museum features a permanent collection of rare artifacts, including works from Egypt, Greece and Rome. <br>
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A successful businessman, Carlos was chairman and chief executive officer of National Distributing Company, founded by his father -- Chris Carlos -- in 1935. <br>
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His father -- originally from Greece -- moved to Georgia in 1900. The family lived in Augusta, then settled in Atlanta and opened the Carlos Soda Fountain in what is now Underground Atlanta. Carlos began working for his father when he was five. <br>
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In 1980, Carlos was awarded the Medal of St. Paul, the highest decoration of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America. In 1992, he was named Georgia Philanthropist of the Year. <br>
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Carlos also is survived by his son, Chris Michael Carlos; and three grandchildren. <br>
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His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park. <br>
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A prayer service will be held Tuesday at H.M. Patterson's in Atlanta. <br>
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In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the WSWG Scholarship Foundation, Suite 414, Six Piedmont Center; 3525 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.
