Dr. George Aristotle Michas

Dr. George Aristotle Michas, 86, of Fort Walton Beach, FL, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 14, 2025. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 21, 1939, to Anton and Rose Michas.

George grew up with a love for the outdoors, spending countless hours hunting, fishing, and playing sports. At Herrin High School, he excelled as a three-sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and track. His passion for athletics never faded-he carried an encyclopedic knowledge of sports teams and players throughout his life. A devoted fan of the San Francisco Giants, he proudly supported the team on its way to multiple World Series victories. Beyond sports, he had a deep love for animals, especially feeding them and visiting the zoo-so much so that some of his grandchildren were convinced he must have been a zookeeper rather than a neuropsychiatrist.

He met the love of his life, Nina Zamotaew, through a twist of fate and a bit of youthful adventure. A friend, Richard, had invited him along on a double date, riding around in an old restored hearse. That night, destiny placed George and Nina side by side, sparking the beginning of a beautiful relationship that would blossom into a lifetime together.

In May of 1962, George and Nina were married, embarking on a journey of love, partnership, and resilience. Together, they built a family while George pursued the rigors of medical school, balancing long hours of study with work to support their growing household. Their marriage, rooted in devotion and determination, endured and flourished for 63 years-a testament to the enduring bond that began on that unforgettable first date.

He graduated from Loyola University Chicago–Stritch School of Medicine in 1964 and went on to complete his residency training in neuropsychiatry at Northwestern University. In September of 1968, he was called to military service under the Berry Plan, assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, where he served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. He provided care to many service members returning from the Vietnam War, offering both his skill and compassion during a time of great need.

He recognized the great need and potential to develop more resources to support not only active-duty military members but also retirees and military dependent families. That was where the connection with other military psychiatrists began to shape the future of mental health. Driven by his passion and purpose, he aimed to build an organization committed to providing high-quality, multidisciplinary mental health care-helping individuals and families live their best lives.

He went on to become the founder and president of Michas, Valentine & Gill Psychiatric Associates, the first outpatient psychiatric clinic and multidisciplinary mental health practice in Okaloosa County. Widely regarded as the father of modern mental health treatment in the area, Dr. Michas pioneered the delivery of psychiatric care in the community.

In the 1970s, he initiated the county's first inpatient psychiatric facility and later helped establish additional hospitals and mental health programs. Alongside a small group of colleagues, he volunteered his time to build community services through the Okaloosa Guidance Center-now Bridgeway Center-ensuring access to sliding-scale and free mental health care for those in need.

Dr. Michas also provided his expertise as a consultant to hospital systems, shaping the development of inpatient facilities and mental health programs across the region. For decades, he served as Medical Director of the Psychiatric Treatment Center at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, a 48-bed inpatient unit, where he established electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) services that remain available locally today. His leadership extended nationally, serving as president of both the Florida Psychiatric Society and the Southern Psychiatric Society, and he was honored as a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. George and Nina Michas shared their Orthodox faith. They were among the founding families dedicated to building Saints Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Mary Esther, FL, which exists today. He served as the first parish council president and was a devoted supporter for decades. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and lived his life guided by his faith.

George is survived by his wife, Nina, and his children: Dr. Elizabeth Michas (Gregg Mullen) of Fort Walton Beach, FL; Dr. Paul Michas (Julie) of Shalimar, FL; Dr. Catherine Michas of Fort Walton Beach, FL; and Dr. Andrew Michas (Francie) of Leesburg, GA. He was "Papou" to his beloved grandchildren: Larisa Salisbury, Michael P. Michas (Delanie), Dr. Christopher Michas (Dr. Morgan), Nick Michas, Alexandria Michas, and Michael A. Michas; and great-grandchildren Scarlett and McCoy Michas.

George was the oldest of three children and is also survived by his brother, John A. Michas (wife, Jane) of Hoffman Estates, IL; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton (Tony) and Rose Michas; his brother, Thomas Michas; his nephew, Steven Michas; and his granddaughter, Elise Salisbury.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Trisagion at 6:00 p.m., at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Rd NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Saints Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 104 Bryn Mawr Blvd, Mary Esther, FL 32569. Interment will follow at Beal Memorial Cemetery.

When someone you love departs, their memory becomes a treasure. Those we have loved become part of us. They live on within our thoughts, our memories, our dreams, and our hearts. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our minds.

Dr. George gave his all in life-excellence in caring for others, practicing medicine, sharing his wisdom through life-changing words and meaningful conversations, loving his family, cheering on his favorite sports teams, exploring the world through travel, and living by faith in God. May his memory be eternal.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Mental Health Association or Saints Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.