Funeral services were held on June 3 in Reidsville, GA, for well-known Vidalia onion man Benny DeTroy Shuman, Jr., affectionately known to many as Buck, who passed away May 31 at the age of 91.
Buck was born on Jan. 4, 1933, in Reidsville to the late Benny Sr. and Mattie Lou Shuman, and he spent most of his life in Tattnall County. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Marjorie Shuman of Reidsville; his four children, Anna Shuman, Ben Shuman, John (Lana) Shuman, and Mark (Victoria) Shuman, all of Reidsville; beloved step-children, Marcie (Chris) Garrett of Vidalia and Matt (Dawn) Davis of Savannah; seven grandchildren who were the apple of his eye, Megan (Marco) Micalletto, Luke and Jake Shuman, Chapman and Mason Shuman, and Skylar and Evan Davis. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends.
In 1943 Buck dedicated his heart to the Lord and became a devoted member of the Reidsville Methodist Church, now known as Grace Pointe Reidsville. His faith remained a cornerstone of his life, and he was a dedicated member until his passing.
After graduating from Reidsville High School, Buck served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, he worked for five years in Atlanta with US Plastering. He returned to his Tattnall County and purchased Reidsville Feed and Seed, later renaming it Shuman Fertilizer and also starting a new venture, Shuman Farms.
Buck married Brenda Grinstead, and together they had four children. Their love and commitment endured for 37 years until Brenda’s untimely passing. His feed and seed business became the foundation of a career that spanned over 60 years, during which he served the local agricultural community with distinction. Buck was a pioneer in the now world-renowned Vidalia Onion industry. His contributions were recognized in 2012 when he was inducted into the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame. From 1996 to 2021, Buck was a seed representative for D. Palmer Seed, aiding in the development of new Vidalia Onion varieties.
Later in life, Buck found love again and married Marjorie Franklin. They shared 24 wonderful years together until his death. Buck’s dedication to his community was evident through his service as a Reidsville City Council member, President of the Reidsville Jaycees, Board of the Tattnall Bank, board member of Chem-Nut, and a 14-year member of the Tattnall County Board of Education.
An avid outdoorsman, Buck loved hunting and fishing. He was also a devoted fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, spending most fall Saturdays attending or watching their games. Whenever time allowed, Buck enjoyed playing golf.
Above all, Buck valued his family. He showered them with love and affection and proudly told everyone that his family was his greatest treasure on Earth and second only to his salvation in the Lord. In this aspect, Buck was the richest man in the world, and he embraced every second spent with them.
The family is honored by all expressions of sympathy but suggests memorial contributions in Buck’s memory to be made to Paul Anderson Youth Home, 1603 McIntosh Street, Vidalia, GA 30474.
Among the tributes made to Buck Shuman and his remarkable life was that of the Vidalia Onion Committee.
The Committee wrote, “The Vidalia Onion Industry is honored to celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Mr. Buck Shuman. ‘Mr. Buck’ Shuman was considered a true pioneer and esteemed Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame member. As the proprietor of Shuman Fertilizer, Inc., and later marketing seed genetics to growers throughout the Vidalia Industry, Mr. Shuman left an indelible imprint on the onion industry.
In the 1970s, Mr. Shuman boldly pioneered the practice of blending fertilizers for his customers, challenging conventional methods and \ fundamentally transforming the way onions were grown during that period. His unwavering belief in customizing fertilizer blends based on the unique needs of each field led to a groundbreaking innovation, crucial in preserving the unmistakable sweet, mild flavor of Vidalia onions, renowned for their exceptional quality.
“Beyond fertilizer blending, Mr. Shuman’s commitment to the Vidalia onion industry extended to hands-on experience as an onion farmer that began in the early 1980s, where his profound understanding of cultivation practices played a pivotal role in establishing the Vidalia onion as the epitome of sweetness worldwide.
“Following his retirement as a grower, Mr. Shuman embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining D. Palmer Seed in 1994 as a Vidalia onion representative. In this influential role, he collaborated with breeders globally, developing
cultivars and varieties that became the foremost sweet onion varieties in the Vidalia onion industry. Notably, his contributions include the renowned ‘Miss Megan’ variety and the ‘Sapelo’ variety, which were considered cornerstones of the industry.
“Buck Shuman’s passion for the Vidalia onion industry was not merely a profession but an intrinsic way of life. His unwavering dedication and tireless efforts over five decades have played an instrumental role in shaping the industry and upholding the esteemed brand image of Vidalia sweet onions.”
Cliff Riner, VP of G&R Farms and Chairman of the Vidalia Onion Committee, said, “Mr. Buck was a true legend in the industry; his reputation as the Southern Gentleman and his passion for Vidalia Onions was as evident as anyone I know. His work ethic and dedication to enhancing the Vidalia Sweet Onion lasted for multiple decades, and I am extremely thankful for Mr. Buck’s legacy; he set the example for us all to follow.”
Alan Sikes, owner of Sikes Farms, said, “He was always encouraging and wanted everyone to do good within our whole industry; our industry has lost its best and finest gentleman. Mr. Buck made you feel respected and valued, and he kept a smile and the humblest attitude.”
Delbert Bland, owner and President of Bland Farms and Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame Member, echoed similar comments, saying, “Mr. Buck was a true mentor to me. He had a way of encouraging you when things were not going well. He injected a positive attitude into our industry, and I don’t know anyone he didn’t encourage and wanted to see succeed in our business. He was a blessing to know.”
“I’ve always enjoyed doing business with Mr. Buck. When he sold fertilizer, he helped our farm; when he sold seed, he was a pleasure to do business with.
He was both a friend and doing business with him for multiple decades meant a lot to me. I truly enjoyed our relationship. Most importantly, he was an outstanding family man and raised a great crop of children and a family that is well respected,” said R.T. Stanley, retired owner of Stanley Farms and Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame member.
Shane Curry, Executive Director of the Vidalia Onion Committee, stated, “Our industry’s success is built on the work of many people from the past 90 years and the legacy they left. Mr. Buck was one of those people, and we are truly grateful and blessed for his work in Vidalia Onions. The industry wouldn’t be where it is today without his commitment to Vidalia Onions.”
