Dr. George Panayiotis Hatzigeorgis

Born in 1929 in Kalloni on the island of Lesvos (Mytilene), Greece, George, who was affectionately known as “Dr. Hatzi”, dedicated more than four decades of his life to the practice of medicine. Throughout his career, he was respected for his skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his patients.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Hatzigeorgis, and his sisters, Anna and Irene Hatzigeorgis. He is survived by his daughters, Maria Cecil (Craig) and Drosoula Karamanis (Theodoros); his grandchildren, Callie Inge (Peter), Robby Garrison, Ariel Cecil, Rob Cecil, Yanni Karamanis (Eleni), Giorgos Karamanis (Cindy), and Katerina Karamanis (Angelo); and five great-grandchildren.

George graduated from the Medical School of the University of Athens in 1959. He completed his internship at St. Mary's Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia, from 1959 to 1960, followed by a surgical residency at Chesapeake and Ohio Hospitals in Clifton Forge, Virginia, from 1960 to 1964. He then returned to Greece, where he began practicing medicine in Athens.

In 1966, George met the love of his life, Katherine, in Athens. She was traveling with her uncle from Birmingham when her uncle fell ill and was admitted to the hospital where George worked. Although Katherine returned to Birmingham, the two continued to correspond. They were married in Athens in January 1967 and soon afterward returned to Birmingham, where they built their home, raised their family, and became active members of the community. George began his application for United States citizenship in June 1967 and proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1970.

He began his surgical practice at Baptist Montclair Hospital in Birmingham in 1967 and joined the medical staff at Brookwood Hospital when it opened in 1973. He practiced there until his retirement in 2012. Alongside Katherine, who managed his medical office, he cared for generations of patients as both a general surgeon and family physician. During the final decade of his career, George closed his office practice but continued serving at Brookwood Hospital, where he assisted obstetricians with emergency cesarean deliveries. No matter the hour, he answered every call without hesitation, helping ensure the safe arrival of hundreds of babies.

Beyond medicine, George found joy in spending time with his family and was a devoted husband and father. An avid reader with a lifelong passion for learning, he also enjoyed traveling and had an adventurous spirit.

Visitation will be held at Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Thursday, July 23, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. A Makaria luncheon will be held afterward at the Cathedral.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who supported George over the past six years, especially the staff of Lakeview Estates and Oaks on Parkwood, Home Instead, Expect Care Hospice, and Affinity Hospice, for their compassionate care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral Building Fund.