Obituary: Salem Michael George Sr. MD, 86, Lebanon

Salem Michael George Sr. MD, 86, of Lebanon, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018. He was born in Louisville and was the eldest child of immigrant parents, the late Hyleme Salem and Nonie Abraham George.

DR. SALEM MICHAEL GEORGE SR.

His parents and family relocated to Lebanon when he was a high school student. He graduated from St. Augustine High School, attended the University of Notre Dame, graduated from the University of Louisville with degree in chemistry, and from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Following his medical internship, he returned to Lebanon, a community he loved. He became board certified in Family Medicine and practiced primary care medicine. During his 58 years of practice, “Dr. Salem” as he was affectionately known, devotedly cared for multiple generations of families and delivered more than 6,000 babies.

He was committed to his community, church and profession. He served on numerous boards including the University of Louisville Board of Trustees, University of Louisville Board of Governors, University of Louisville Foundation, Archdiocese of Louisville Education Foundation Endowment Committee, St. Catherine College Board of Trustees, Community Trust Bank Board of Trustees, Kentucky Medical Association Board of Trustees, Norton HealthCare Ethics Committee, Spring View Hospital Board of Trustees serving as Chairman for numerous years, and the Marion County Board of Health where he served for more than 40 years.

He was a benefactor of many causes and was a passionate supporter of St. Augustine School to which he felt greatly indebted. Additionally, he was honored for providing decades of charitable medical care. Always an advocate for those in need, he founded several nursing and medical facilities to meet the needs in his community and surrounding areas, including Cedars of Lebanon Nursing Center, St. Francis Nursing Center, Village of Lebanon Nursing Home, Family and Internal Medical Associates and Taylor County Cancer Center.

During his half century of service, he received many awards and recognitions including Lebanon Marion County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen, Jaycees Of Kentucky Outstanding Young Man, Health Kentucky Lifetime Service Award, Kentucky Medical Association Community Service Award, Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities–Facility Discipline Award, American Medical Association Pride in Profession Award, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners State Award of Excellence, Archdiocese of Louisville Distinguished Alumnus Award, University of Louisville Alumnus of the Year, and the 2013 Papal Award bestowed by Pope Francis, the highest award given by the Holy Father to the faithful honoring lifelong service to the church.

Although proud of his awards, honors and accomplishments, his greatest pride was his family. He will always be remembered for his life of service centered on his guiding principles of family, faith, and strong work ethic.

He is survived by the love of his life, Eva Bland George, his wife of 62 years; three daughters, Nonie George D.M.D (Marty Cogan), Caroline George Meena (Richard), and Marianne George Peters (Mike); three sons, Salem M. George Jr. M.D. (LuAnn), Timothy B. George (Annie), and David B. George M.D. (Jodi); three sisters, Irene George Raterman, JoAnn George Gormley (Mark), and Debbie George Matthews (John); three brothers, Anthony George M.D. (Judy), Donald George (Margaret), and Hyleme George Jr. (Peg); 13 grandchildren, Kathleen Cogan, Olivia Cogan, Salem George III, Allie George, Timothy B. George Jr. (Kaitlyn), Charlie George (Christina), Katie George, Alex George, Abigail George, Anthony Meena M.D., Lydia Meena, Mary Caroline Peters and Lillian Peters; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 235 S. Spalding Ave. Lebanon with burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, at the church.

In keeping with his wishes, memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine School Scholarship Fund.

His family would like to thank his colleagues, the devoted staff of Family Internal Medicine, especially Pat Lanham and Joyce Benningfield, the staff of Cedars of Lebanon and Village of Lebanon Nursing Centers and his many devoted patients.

The Bosley Funeral Home in Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.

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