George Quayle Neslen

Dr. George Quayle Neslen Jr. of Sylva, North Carolina entered chapter eternal on Monday, August 14 in an Asheville hospital at the age of 73. Quayle grew up in Whittier, California where his late father and orthopaedic surgeon Dr. George Quayle Neslen Sr.  inspired his love of medicine. Dr. Neslen is survived by his mother Eleanor Neslen Ramsay of Newport Beach, California,  wife, Dotty Ferguson Neslen, sisters, Nancy Neslen and Marty Ruch (John), Norwegian exchange brother, Egil Nordberg (Kjellaug), children Jenny Neslen Stowers (Jason) of Young Harris, Georgia, Emily Neslen Meduri (Josh) of Asheville, Martha Neslen of Sylva, George Quayle Neslen III (Cassie) of Sylva, Nicki Parton Vogel (Dan) of Rutherfordton, Robin Parton Pate (Trace) of Knoxville, TN, Sara Parton (Chris) of Bryson City, NC, seventeen grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his trusted assistant of many years Liz Coggins.

Quayle grew up in Whittier, California where he formed many childhood memories at the beach with his family. He served as president of his high school class and played multiple sports. To his parents, he was the perfect child- full of potential and compassion. These traits guided his future as a medical provider and most importantly, as a parent.

After high school, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, where he played on the basketball team, majored in history, minored in religion, and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He earned his medical degree from George Washington University, completed an internship at the University of Southern California Medical Center, and did his residency at Emory University Hospital.

He drove all over the country looking for the best place to live and raise kids, ultimately landing in Western North Carolina. In 1980, he and Dr. Cliff Faull started Sylva Orthopaedics and they later went on to establish sports medicine services to Western Carolina University, where Dr. Neslen served as a team physician for twenty years. 

Quayle was a believer in Christ, an avid fisherman, a voter, and a valued community partner. His contributions include decades of service in leadership roles at Southwestern Community College, the Jackson County School Board, Rotary Club of Sylva, and others. He will always be remembered for helping others, especially those in need (or who voted like him). His passion in life was healing people and serving others in his role as a physician. He believed that God was the ultimate healer and Quayle spent 32 years emulating this belief.

To Quayle’s seventeen grandkids: Jack and James Stowers, Arella, Aurora, Aria and Archer Meduri, Harper and Aspen Neslen, Faith and Levi Vogel, Sydney and Sophie Pate, Cole and Jace Wiggins, Audrey and Clay Seagle, and Frank Parton, he was a beloved Papa who could always be counted on to provide them with the best grandpa hugs and an endless supply of Dad jokes. Papa Doc was especially proud that several of the grands mastered Papa as their first word. Quayle’s kids were truly his pride and joy and they have described him as a champion, who loved unconditionally and always had time to listen.

Quayle absolutely loved the region and people he served. Cherished treasures included the fish in the lakes calling his name, the music of Patsy Cline, and the local stories he loved to hear.  Although Quayle was not born here , he quickly became interwoven and an integral part of the local narrative. He enjoyed many travel adventures with the love of his life, Dotty. In their twenty one years together they made memories through the bringing together of their families. They found comfort in each other whether visiting family, traveling, or having a quiet night at home full of moments of shared laughter.

The entire community mourns the loss of our friend, mentor, and father figure, who will always be remembered for his candor, hearty laugh, and love for his patients, family and friends.

Funeral services will be held 6:00 pm on Monday, August 20 at Southwestern Community College, 447 College Dr., Sylva, NC with  Rev. JD Grant officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the services from 4:00 -6:00pm.

While our friend and father has left his earthly home, he has been laid to rest with an eternal view of the beautiful mountains he chose to call home. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested to send donations to Owen Heart Center at Mission Hospital in order to help pay it forward to other families in hope of more time with their loved ones.