Buddy Albert Shadid, born December 20, 1931 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away on April 10, 2020 in Oklahoma City, surrounded by loved ones. Born the third of five children, Buddy lost his father when he was just 11 years old. His family owned a small grocery store in which he, his mother, brothers and sisters worked tirelessly serving the Oklahoma City community through the Great Depression and World War II. His loving bond with his siblings, Elva, Charles, Yamama, and Edward, remained strong to the very end.
Buddy attended Putnam City High School, college at Oklahoma City University and graduated Dental School at St. Louis University in 1956. Immediately upon graduation, Buddy enlisted with the Air Force and served his country as a Dental Officer for 2 years in Alaska. When his service was completed, Buddy drove across the country to return to his beloved state of Oklahoma where he opened a private dental practice, serving the south side of Oklahoma City for forty years until his retirement from dentistry in 1998.
During this time Buddy became a paragon of the community, building a successful real estate business. Despite his success he never lost his working-class values. He loved to roll up his sleeves and do hard work. He strove every day to treat his business associates and tenants fairly and honestly. They knew that his handshake was as good as a contract, and his word was a bond that would never break.
In his spare time, Buddy loved to travel. But no matter how far he went, he was always excited to return to his beloved home in Oklahoma. He loved Oklahoma more than any place in the world. He also enjoyed gardening; and his garden was legendary among friends and family, where he grew tomatoes and Lebanese cucumbers to share with anyone who asked (and some who didn’t ask).
Buddy married his wife Shara Lynette Shadid on July 14, 1987. He was preceded in death by his oldest son Anthony, a 2-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who died covering the conflict in Syria. He is survived by his beloved wife Shara, daughter Shannon, son Damon, stepdaughter Shelli, and 5 grandchildren.
Buddy is a faithful member of St. Elijah’s Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, the family invites individuals to make a donation to St. Elijah’s or other charity of their choice.
Due to the current pandemic, the family is having a private graveside service with a memorial service to be held at a later date.
