Buck Shuman of Shuman Farms dies at 91
Benny (Buck) DeTroy Shuman, founder of Shuman Farms, the largest growers of Vidalia onions, died May 31. He was 91.
Mr. Shuman, born on Jan. 4, 1933, in Reidsville, GA, developed into a devout, dedicated and industrious cornerstone of his community. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Subsequently, he spent five years at U.S. Plastering in Atlanta before returning to Reidsville in 1958. There, he acquired Reidsville Feed and Seed, which he later rebranded first as Shuman Fertilizer and then as Shuman Farms, marking the beginning of a new business venture as a Vidalia onion grower.
During the 1980s, Mr. Shuman grew many vegetables, including his very first Vidalia onion crop. Unfortunately, the National Farm Crisis made being a farmer exceedingly difficult, however Mr. Shuman persevered as much as he could before having to close Shuman Fertilizer in 1994. Not one to stay down, Mr. Shuman started again, becoming the world-famous onion icon he’s known as today. Mr. Shuman was a seed representative for D. Palmer Seed and helped with the development of new Vidalia onion varieties from 1996 to 2021. In 2013, he was honored with induction into the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame in recognition of his efforts to preserve and champion the excellence of Vidalia onions.
Mr. Shuman was married to Brenda Grinstead for 37 years until her passing, and they raised four children together: Anna Shuman, Ben Shuman, John Shuman and Mark Shuman. Later, he married Majorie Franklin and enjoyed 24 years together, warmly embracing Marcie Garrett of Vidalia and Matt Davis of Savannah as his stepchildren. Mr. Shuman cherished his grandchildren dearly: Megan Micalletto, Luke Shuman, Jake Shuman, Chapman Shuman, Mason Shuman, Skylar Davis and Evan Davis. His deep love and affection for his family were unparalleled and meant everything to him.
Mr. Shuman was a man with a great love for the outdoors, who enjoyed hunting, fishing and, when time allowed, golfing. He was a fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, spending most fall Saturdays attending or watching games. He was also a Reidsville City Council member, president of the Reidsville Jaycees, board of the Tattnall Bank, board member of Chem-Nut and a member of the Tattnall County board of education.