Jamestown- Retired High Point physician, Dr. Paul Geniec, of Jamestown, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 4, 2019, after several years of declining health. He kept a sharp mind, strong spirit and determined will until his death.
Dr. Geniec’s medical career spanned 42 years. Having been born in Tucson, Arizona, in 1934, he graduated from his beloved Amphitheater High School. He then attended the University of Arizona, graduating from the School of Pharmacy with the honor of being inducted into Rho Chi Society for scholastic achievement. While studying pharmacy, he interned at the Tucson Prescription Pharmacy. Following graduation, he worked at Webster’s Pharmacy in Altadena, California, until accepted to the University of Utah School of Medicine. He worked his way through medical school as a relief pharmacist in Salt Lake City.
After graduation and internship, he was accepted as a Research Fellow in Otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His original research focused on the hearing mechanism in the brain. His paper was published and continues to be cited in related research. He was then accepted at Wake Forest Bowman Gray School of Medicine, where he completed his residency. He was the first in the area to practice the full range of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, which included plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Paul opened his solo practice in 1969 with hospital privileges in High Point and Thomasville. He considered it a great honor and privilege to meet the medical needs of his patients. He remained grateful for all those who trusted him with their care and the care of their loved ones. An encounter with a former patient was always a joyous reunion. He was diligent in keeping abreast of his specialty through journals, meetings, visits with leading specialists in areas of interest, and professional organizations, such as the National Headache Foundation.
Through the Hearing Conservation Assoc., Paul initiated industrial hearing protection in local industries. He was a founding member of the American College of Cryosurgery, serving on the Board of Trustees. He was guest lecturer around the United States regarding nasal surgery and modalities and instrumentation.
Paul always had the greatest respect for his office staff as well as hospital and surgery center co-workers. With a kind and gentle spirit, he saw himself as part of a team effort serving patients.
Always the “tool man” and efficiency expert, his retirement years meshed well with his career where he developed surgical instruments and techniques that improved patient outcomes. In retirement, the size of his tools kept growing; i.e. the Dingo, the Bobcat and the motorized wheel barrow, as gardening became his passion at home and on the homeplace farm in the mountains. He was an avid attendee at many class reunions, keeping in close contact over the years and enjoyed many visits from them.
Desiring to give back to his community, Paul was generous supporting many individuals and charitable organizations-most notably the Salvation Army and the House of Prayer. He loved his church family and the Phyllis Efird Sunday School Class at Westchester Baptist Church, where he was a member. He has many friends and fond memories from previous church fellowships.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Geniec. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by a son, Stuart Geniec; two brothers, Frank Geniec and identical twin Wally Geniec. Surviving are his loving wife of 45 years, Kathryn Riddle Geniec; one son, Steven Geniec (Pam); three grandchildren, Corrine, Geoffrey and Piper; two nephews, Randy Geniec (Mary), and Mark Geniec; three great nephews, Logan, Landon, and Drake; and one great niece, Colby. In addition, Paul is survived by many extended family members.
Paul’s legacy is having fulfilled the American dream that brought his parents from Austria to America in 1917, seeking the freedom to use their talents to build a better life for themselves and their children.
A Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 7, 2019, at 10:00 AM at Westchester Baptist Church in High Point, North Carolina, with Reverend Dr. Eric Peacock officiating. Interment will follow in Mars Hill Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening at Secrest Funeral Home, 1301 E. Lexington Avenue, High Point, North Carolina, from 7:00PM until 9:00PM. Online condolences to Paul’s family may be made at sechrestfunerals.com. Sechrest Funeral Service in High Point is honored to serve the Geniec family.
Flowers are welcome but memorials may be made to the Salvation Army of High Point 301 West Green Drive, High Point, North Carolina 27260 or to the House of Prayer 5884 Riverdale Drive, Jamestown, North Carolina 27282.
