Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 8, 2026

CHARLOTTE – “He loved his family and loved his work.” Eight simple words, but they perfectly describe the brilliant and generous Dr. Sardar Mahmood Shah-Khan, who passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born in Hyderabad, India, he decided at a young age he wanted to be a doctor, surprising none of his family members, classmates or teachers, who recognized his academic skill and determination.

Education was a driving force for Dr. Shah-Khan.  He received his bachelor’s degree from University College, Osmania University, in Hyderabad in 1956 and graduated at the top of his class from Osmania Medical College in 1961.  He completed internships, residencies and fellowships in internal medicine, general medicine, surgery and infectious diseases at Belfast City Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital and Lodge Moore Hospital in Northern Ireland and Sheffield, England. Dr. Shah-Khan completed and was awarded the distinction of Member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (M.R.C.P.) in General Medicine (Edinburgh, UK) and Cardiology (Glasgow, UK). 

In 1967, he returned home and married his beautiful wife, Dr. Tahera Alikhan.  The two eventually moved to Morganton, N.C. where they would spend the next 57 years and raise their three sons, Mujeeb, Mustafa and Murtuza.

Dr. Shah-Khan served as Broughton Hospital’s Director of the Medical-Surgical Unit, Chief of Medicine and President of Medical Staff.  He later joined Grace Hospital and served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine.  His greatest professional accomplishment was starting his private practice and providing care to thousands of people, impacting the lives of his community for more than 50 years.  A colleague recently described him as “a role model for what a physician should be.”  He took great pride in having an impact on the medical profession and influencing generations of family members to pursue the profession that he loved.

One of the first Muslim families in N.C., the Shah-Khan’s basement served as the mosque for years until one was opened in Morganton.  He was the long-time president of the mosque, welcoming members of their community to the area with open arms and love.

Without a doubt, his greatest pride was welcoming his five grandchildren. Amalie, Nina, Zain, Max and Gray were his greatest joys.  Watching them run around his house and attack life filled his heart.  He loved being their Dada until his last breath.

Dr. Shah-Khan was preceded in death by his parents, Mohammed and Ghousia Shah-Khan, and his sister, Mahmooda Begum.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Tahera; his three sons, Mujeeb (Cynthia), Mustafa (Caroline) and Murtuza (Elizabeth), all of Charlotte, N.C., and his five grandchildren, Amalie, Nina, Zain, Max and Gray Shah-Khan.  He is also survived by his brothers, Manzoor Shah-Khan, of Beckley, West Virginia, and Masood Shah-Khan, of Chicago, as well as dozens of nephews and nieces and cousins.

He will be missed dearly, but his legacy will continue for generations to come.

Dr. Shah-Khan’s family would like to thank the nurses, doctors and extended team at Novant Health Matthews for their extraordinary care, compassion and respect.

Friends may honor Dr. Shah-Khan’s legacy and leadership of the Islamic community through contributions to the Islamic Center of Morganton, 203 Bethel Street, Morganton, N.C., 28655.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.