About.

FAMILY OWNED.

Since 1959.

Big George's has been a family owned business since 1959, providing our customers with the highest quality products, the best possible service and prices to fit every budget. When you come to Big George's, out friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the area's largest selection of appliances, smart home systems, fireplaces and outdoor cooking.

Abbud, “Bud”, beloved father, grandfather, brother, husband, and friend, passed away peacefully into eternal life the morning of April 13, 2024, at the age of 88, after a gradual decline in his health. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family this past month.

Bud was born in Qamishli, Syria on November 8^th, 1935 to parents Ayyub Bishara and Menoush Aro. Bud was raised in a large, loving household with seven siblings in Aleppo, Syria. Summers and harvest time were often spent at their second home in Qamishli.

Bud attended high school at American Aleppo College and graduated in 1953. At the age of 19, Bud enrolled in a foreign exchange program with Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, which allowed him to come to the United States. After graduating from EMU, Bud moved back to Qamishli in 1963. In 1967, he returned to Michigan and began working full-time at Big George’s Home Appliance Mart in Ann Arbor, under the mentorship of George Simon aka “Big George”.

In 1971, Bud married his beautiful wife, Mona Batri, in Beirut, Lebanon. She moved to the U.S. and they raised two sons, Mark (b. 1972) and Ramsey (b. 1977) in Ann Arbor. In 1983, due to hard work and dedication, Bud was given the opportunity to become the owner and operator of Big George’s. He was proud to run his own company, loved the opportunity to take care of employees, carry on the business of his mentor and pass on that legacy to his children. He could always be found in the store conversing with customers until he went into the hospital on March 8th, 2024.

Outside of work, Bud had a passion for entertaining friends and family and was especially known for his signature Syrian kabobs. He enjoyed playing cards and took weekly trips to the casino, sometimes with Ramsey. He adored spending time with his grandchildren, bringing them to the A2 Farmers Market – a place he loved to frequent, even during the cold months. Bud was quite a character- straightforward, opinionated, and sharply dressed. He could be stubborn at times, but loved to bring a smile to your face with jokes and sarcasm. Bud will be remembered as a man that worked hard, stayed humble, and was generous. He remained sharp witted and in-charge until the very end.