Shouky Azeez Shaheen

Shouky Shaheen July 17, 1929 -October 4, 2026.

Shouky Shaheen was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 17, 1929. He was the second of four brothers and was the last surviving one. He remained close with his brothers throughout their lives. Shouky received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950 and a Master of Business Administration in 1952, both from the University of Chicago. Always interested in learning, he later completed the Owner/President Management Program in 1998 and the Advanced Management Development Program in 2002 at Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration.

Shouky moved to Dalton, Georgia in the 1950’s and owned and operated a carpet mill in Dalton and in Cartersville. He enjoyed life in the two small towns and the communities welcomed Shouky and his brothers. After several years in the carpet industry Shouky and his older brother did not want to compete in the same business and a coin toss decided who would buy and who would sell. Shouky sold and moved to Atlanta to develop industrial real estate. He was a pioneer in small bay multi-tenant spec buildings and provided literally thousands of entrepreneurial small business owners office/warehouses to start and grow their businesses in.

Shouky married Doris Ann Bradshaw of Cartersville, Georgia in 1961. Shouky and Doris, loved to travel, visit museums, and spend time in the countrysides of Italy, France, England, Scotland and Ireland. They would chart their own course, renting a car with Shouky driving and Doris navigating by map. Commands to “Slow Down!” were more frequent than “Turn Left” and “Turn Right.”

Shouky also loved to snow ski. Starting at age 44 he skied until his late 70’s. He reluctantly hung up his skis when his Montana ski guide of many years retired.

Shouky’s philanthropy has impacted countless people. The Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center and the Doris Shaheen Emergency Room Fund at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital have saved many lives. Shouky has also made significant contributions to Birzeit University, The Ramallah Friends School, The Ramallah Hospital, and the Azeez Shaheen Senior Center in Ramallah, Palestine which he named in memory of his father who lived to 104 years old.

Shouky collected French and American impressionist art for over 50 years. He donated his entire collection to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the Flagler Museum in Florida, wanting others to be able to view and enjoy the works for generations.

Shouky is predeceased by his wife Doris, his three brothers, and his grandson Michael Rourke Shaheen. He is survived by his son William and his daughter Gay Shaheen Slesar (Oliver) and his grandsons Paul Slesar and Luke Slesar.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Piedmont Atlanta Hospital Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center Fund or the Piedmont Atlanta Hospital Doris Shaheen Emergency Department Fund.