George Nicholas Peters, Md

Dr. George N. Peters, a wonderful father, friend, doctor and person, passed away on April 15, 2020 at the age of 73.

George was born on April 8, 1947 to Nick and Lilly Peters of Clarksdale, Mississippi.  He excelled in scholastics from an early age and graduated valedictorian of his class at Clarksdale High School.  George received an undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi and graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1974, where he met Janet Straub, his future wife.  After medical school, George and Janet charted a path across several hospitals, residencies and fellowships that ultimately led them to Dallas, Texas, where they raised their two sons.

George had many passions in life.  He was fiercely proud of his Greek heritage and was fond of the times he spent with his brother, Manual, on their ancestral island of Skopelos.  He loved Greek dancing and Greek food and once helmed (with the vital help of countless Greek wives and yiayias) the premier night of the annual Greek Food Festival of Dallas.  He enjoyed a good steak, playing cards until all hours with friends and a good laugh.  He was fanatical about the HMS Titanic, which, ironically, also met its demise on April 15 ^th .  George was stubborn, charismatic, witty, smart, loving and devoted to those fortunate enough to call him their friend.

George was called to the field of medicine at an early age after the passing of his mother from colon cancer when he was just 8 years old.  Driven to protect and care for women, he became the Chief of Surgical Residents at Baylor Hospital in the late 1970s, and later started a practice in surgical oncology, becoming one of the first doctors in Dallas to dedicate his practice to diseases of the breast.  George was the first to admit that while many surgeons were more technically proficient than him, his greatest skill was his bedside manner.  Known for seeing 40 to 50 patients a day, George worked tirelessly around the clock, seven days a week, to ensure that his patients received nothing but the best care and his undivided attention.  George received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation "Man of the Year" award.  In 2005, the George N. Peters, M.D., Center for Breast Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center was named in his honor.

Despite all of his accolades, two things mattered most to George.  First, throughout his career, he saved or gave hope to countless patients – each a mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt or friend to someone who loves them.  Second, George was most proud of his sons and his family and enjoyed getting to know his grandchildren in his retirement.  He provided for his family in every way imaginable, and threw his complete self into being the best father he could be.  George favored a nicely tailored double-breasted suit over jeans and hiking boots, but he gladly traded one for the other to indulge his boys’ desire to camp, fish or go white water rafting.  He loved his sons deeply, and taught them to try their best at any endeavor they pursued.

Dr. George N. Peters is survived by his sons, Nicholas (Beth) and Barton (Lauren); his former spouse, devoted friend and cherished mother of his sons, Janet; his beloved older brother Manuel (Mary Beth); his grandchildren Anne Louise, Drew, Millie and Lily; nieces Meredith Favi (Chris) and Margret Morlino (Philip); and countless friends, colleagues, nurses (he was so proud of you) and patients.

The Peters family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers who helped George in his final years.  Particularly, Pat Christie, Jackie McNally, Sandy Waugh, Piccola Williams and Fidelis Homecare.  Their love, selflessness, generosity and care are true examples of the Christian spirit.

There will be a small service for family only on Friday, April 24, 2020 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Dallas (View webcast at Noon at http://www.holytrinitydallas.org/live-feed) , and a full memorial service will be held for friends and loved ones at a future date when circumstances surrounding the coronavirus change.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the UT Southwestern Medical Center, P. O. Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888 or online at engage.utsouthwestern.edu to support the George N. Peters, MD Center for Breast Surgery.