Everyone come out and honor a wonderful man, Dr. George Gowder!!

Whereas, George David Gowder, Jr. was born March 11, 1930 in Gainesville, Georgia, obtained his undergraduate degree from North Georgia College, his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and served his internship at the Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta; and

Whereas, George David Gowder entered the United States Air Force upon completion of his internship and was given an early release from the Air Force, secured by Senator Richard Russell, in order to move to Blairsville in 1959 to practice at the newly opened ten bed Union General Hospital;

Whereas, George David Gowder moved to Gainesville in 1962 to open a private practice but returned to Blairsville in 1972 as the only practicing physician at Union General Hospital, for two years working seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by himself; and

Whereas, George David Gowder retired from practicing medicine in 1986; and

Whereas, George David Gowder, throughout his medical career in Union County, always put his patients first. He sacrificed time with his family, and spent many nights, weekends and holidays at his practice and the hospital. He was a true "country doc" in that he delivered babies, saw inpatients at the hospital as well as covered the emergency room, saw nursing home patients and made house calls. In addition, he got Home Health started in Union County and was chairman of the Steering Committee that brought Branan Lodge to Union County; and

Whereas, George David Gowder provided quality medical care in a compassionate, self-sacrificing way. He served as an example to new physicians who came to practice in Blairsville, as well as to the nurses and other medical care providers at Union General Hospital. Many would say Dr. Gowder is truly the father of modem medical care in Union County.

Now Therefore, I, Lamar Paris, Commissioner of Union County, Georgia, in honor of Dr. George David Gowder's honorable service to the Blairsville Community, and to Union County, do hereby proclaim April 19, 2008 to be Dr. George David Gowder Day in Union County and do so affix my signature this 19th day of April 2008.

Thanks, Mr. Bill!  Quite an impressive Proclamation and well deserved!  They don't seem to make many doctors like this Gentleman any more.  Such a shame.

Dr. Goerge is an exemplary Doc, man, father, and neighbor. I wish we had more like him.

Hats off to you Dr. George I'm proud to have been your patient and neighbor!!!

Blairsville, Georgia - home in the North GA Mountains

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