Local Doctor for Decades, Medical Leader, Educator, Pilot, George William Shehl, Jr., Passes at Age of 72

George William Shehl, Jr., MD, 72, of Clarksburg passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2025 at home with his wife and sons by his side.

He was born on January 5th, 1953 in Clarksburg, WV the son of George W. Shehl Sr. and Mitzie Carrillo Shehl.

George graduated from Notre Dame High School class of 1970 in Clarksburg, WV. He attended and graduated from West Virginia University with an undergraduate degree in three years with a BA in Biology (Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa). In 1977, he was a graduate from the WVU School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine Degree. He did a residency in Internal Medicine at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA before returning to WVU for fellowship training in Cardiology.

He founded Clarksburg Cardiology Consultants where he practiced medicine for 21 years. He was Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory which he opened in 1985 at United Hospital Center. In 2003, George began to practice Cardiology at the VA Medical Center until he retired in January 2025. Notable accomplishments throughout George’s career include Fellow (FACP) American College of Physicians, Fellow (FACC) American College of Cardiology, Governor of West Virginia Chapter of American College of Cardiology, Past President of Harrison County Board of Health, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine and Cardiology at West Virginia University School of Medicine, which is bestowed on clinicians in private practice who have an uninterrupted record in good standing with consistent achievements and actively contributed to teaching while continuously achieving excellence in their specialty bringing innovations to the community.

George was passionate about aviation at an early age, as his father would take him to the airport to watch airplanes. He earned his private pilot certificate in 1972, instrument rating in 1982, commercial pilot certificate in 1984, flight instructor certificate in 1985, and instrument flight instructor certificate in 1991. He was active in the aviation community in being president of the North Central WV Pilots Association, Founder of first West Virginia Quiet Birdmen Hangar, AOPA, Flying Physicians, American Bonanza Society, Northeast Bonanza Group, First Flight Society, Piper Aviation Museum Member, and Cub Club, while also being a FAA Safety Officer. George accumulated 7000 hours of flight time, as he enjoyed flying his 1946 Piper J-3 Cub and 1980 A36 Beechcraft Bonanza, which he owned and operated for 41 years. He taught both his sons, Michael and George, to fly in their family Piper J-3 Cub. In 2021, George was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which is the most prestigious award given by the FAA to pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years.

George loved his family, traveling, teaching, caring for his patients, playing piano and drums, and was a loyal WVU sports fan cheering on Mountaineer Football, Basketball, and Baseball. He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Clarksburg, WV for his entire life. George has made a positive impact to many in this world and will be missed.

Friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport, on Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 3 – 8 p.m., where a Vigil Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. to conclude the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 8092 Third St, Stonewood, with Father Casey Mahone as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. 

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