Irwin "Buddy" Reed

Irwin (Buddy) Reed, 95, of Savannah, Georgia, died Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Hospice Savannah, GA. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Janet (Silverman) Reed, daughter of the late Louis and Ruth Silverman, as well as siblings, Harold Reed (and wife, Esther), Thelma Rosen (and husband, Manny), brother-in-law, Harry Silverman (and wife, Fay), and brother-in-law, Ramon Silverman. 

 Buddy was the youngest of three children born to the late Joe and Ray Reed in 1929. Growing up in Cochran, Buddy spent his early years in a rural, agricultural community, roaming the outdoors with his friends when he wasn’t helping at his parents’ dry goods store. Some adventures tended toward the mischievous (helping himself to a snack of ‘extra’ fruit from farms, collecting discarded peach fuzz from the packing plant for use as a skin irritant on the back of the neck of an unsuspecting victim, and one of the great tragedies of his life: ‘winning’ a car-antenna sword fight with a chicken, resulting in a life-long abstinence from eating poultry). 

 Buddy completed Cochran High School, then went on to Middle Georgia College, additional studies at University of Georgia and Emory University, and completion of an Associate Degree in Dental Technology at City Tech in Brooklyn, NY. Buddy enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and was stationed at Sampson Air Force Base in New York, where as an Airman he continued his training in what was to become his profession: dental lab technician. While in New York, Buddy spent his free time camping and taking care of his terrier Toby. 

 After leaving the service as a Staff Sergeant, Buddy briefly moved to Fort Myers Beach before joining his siblings and father in Savannah, where he met his future wife, Janet. They married in 1958, and Buddy proceeded to build a dental laboratory business. His hard work and craftsmanship contributed to business success, the family’s years-long enjoyment of sailing, and establishment of a home and family lifestyle in keeping with Jewish traditions and customs as inspired by Janet. 

 Buddy made time to volunteer his services for a few organizations, including serving on the board and as Commodore of the Geechee Sailing Club; providing pro bono dental lab services for those in need; volunteering at the VA Clinic in Savannah: and providing library assistance and reading support for students at Marshpoint Elementary School in Wilmington Island. 

 After retiring from lab work, Buddy began practice of a new hobby: woodworking. Many friends and family members are the beneficiaries of his beautiful and clever pieces. When Janet fell ill with cancer, Buddy devoted his full attention to her care and support. Never complaining, never selfish, Buddy maintained a generous, inquisitive, light-hearted spirit through his entire life. Buddy spent his remaining years at Buckingham South Assisted Living Center, enjoying the care and companionship of his many friends, neighbors and family members. All knew him to be the kindest and ‘sweetest man’ ever; “Buddy,” many said, “is the best.” 

 His final days were spent under the superb care of Hospice Savannah. 

 Buddy is survived by his children, Michael Reed and his wife Vanessa Bramlett of Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, their son Jacob Reed and his wife, Abbie and daughter, Olivia of Capitola, California, and Joel Reed and his wife, Katie Hauser of Porter Corners, New York; sister-in-law, Renie Silverman of Savannah, and many nieces and nephews with whom he was very close. 

 The funeral service will be held at 2pm on Monday, January 13, at the graveside, Bonaventure Cemetery, conducted by Rabbi Avigdor Slatus. The family will be sitting Shiva at 26 Shipwatch Road after the funeral until 7 pm on Monday, January 13 and from 12 pm until 5 pm on Tuesday, January 14. 

 The family gratefully acknowledges the unwavering devoted care of the staff at Buckingham South and Hospice Savannah.