George Michael "Mike" Shoffner

George Michael "Mike" Shoffner died unexpectedly Sunday, July 12, 2009 after a brief illness. Dr. Shoffner was born in Danville, Virginia on June 12, 1945 and received his primary and secondary education there. He celebrated life for one year at William and Mary before serving three years in the United States Navy. He then attended the Medical College of Virginia where he received a degree in physical therapy. He moved to Macon, Georgia in 1977 and worked at The Neurological Institute as an electromyographer for five years. In 1982 he entered the Medical College of Georgia and four years later graduated number one in his Medical School class. He also received the Physician's Physician award, the doctor the classmates would most like to have as their own physician, an honor rarely awarded to the number one person in the class. He remained in Augusta for four more years completing his training as a neurologist and returned to Macon in 1990 as a partner at Neurology Associates. He was a member of The Bibb County Medical Society, American Academy of Neurology, American Medical Association, Director of the Columbia Coliseum Rehabilitation Hospital, Idle Hour Country Club and Vineville United Methodist Church where he was a devoted member of the Allen Sanders Fellowship class.

He is survived by, in Mike's words, four exceptional and beautiful women; Phillipa his wife of thirty-six years, his daughter Barbara (Todd) Mackintosh, Emily (Josh) Henry and his beloved granddaughter, Britton. He often stated that two of the happiest days of his life were the wedding days of his two daughters, and his greatest accomplishment was marrying Phillipa. Mike was predeceased by his parents, James Philip Shoffner, Jr. and Georgia Kathleen Bass Shoffner and by his brother, James Philip Shoffner III.

Like his father before him, Mike was a master craftsman and constructed many beautiful pieces of furniture, most of them adorning his daughters' homes, providing small monuments to his skill. Mike never lost his passion for the sea he acquired in the Navy and was able to spend the last two weeks of his healthy life with his family and friends sailing his boat off Amelia Island. He was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, an enthusiastic grandfather, and a superb physician. He was also respected by his peers, loved by his patients and revered by his staff and partners. The family will greet friends on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at Hart's at the Cupola. Services will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 11:00AM at Vineville United Methodist Church with Dr. Marcus Tripp officiating. Burial will be private at Riverside Cemetery. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Vineville United Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Avenue, Macon, GA 31204, the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 409410, Atlanta, GA 30384-9410, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online register is located at www.hartsmsort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola is in charge of arrangements. Click here for hi-res photos of floral tributes