Dr. Charles H. Shaw, 82, passed away after a long illness on June 13, 2024, in Fernandina Beach, FL, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 20, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert Clifton Shaw and Hazel Clara Holmes. Dr. Shaw led a life marked by dedication to his family, profession and numerous passions.

Dr. Shaw attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit and continued his education at Wayne State University, where he also attended the School of Medicine. After earning his medical degree, he was drafted during the Vietnam War into the US Air Force, where he served as a General Duty Physician at the Torrejon Air Base outside Madrid, Spain. After being honorably discharged with the rank of Major, he continued his medical journey as a resident in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Florida's College of Medicine.

For 28 years, Dr. Shaw ran a successful private practice in Gainesville, FL, specializing in hip and knee replacement surgeries. His career was not just a job, but a calling that he found deeply rewarding. He earned a reputation for his exceptional skills and compassionate care. He later performed independent medical evaluations for companies involved in litigation. He retired in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of countless lives improved through his medical expertise.

While Dr. Shaw worked hard, he also knew how to enjoy life. Dr. Shaw had an adventurous spirit and was an avid outdoorsman. He cherished fishing, hunting, and sailing, traveling the world in pursuit of his passions. As a Private Pilot, he embraced the skies with the same enthusiasm. Above all, he was a lifelong learner who treasured being outdoors. In his later years, he often relaxed on his screened-in porch, reading while smoking his pipe under old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, listening to the sounds of insects and watching the birds at his feeders.

Dr. Shaw is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Nila Jane Shaw; his son, John C. Shaw and his wife, Deborah; his daughter, Elizabeth “Nena” Shaw; and his grandsons, Malcolm Moss and Zachary Moss.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless lives touched by his generosity and kindness. Dr. Shaw will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, compassion, and dedication will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and patients.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date to honor Dr. Shaw's memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care at (4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257) or K9’s For Warriors at (k9sforwarriors.org).