Franklin Reed Dulany, Jr., 91, of Savannah, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 26th, 2022 with his wife and caregivers at his side.

Reed was born on January 5, 1931 to Mary Lois Howard Dulany and Franklin Reed Dulany at Telfair Hospital in Savannah. He attended Charles Ellis Elementary and Richard Arnold Middle schools. He graduated high school from The Choate School in Wallingford, CT. and went on to attend The Citadel in Charleston, SC, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1953.

Reed was a First Lieutenant in the Army during the Korean War. When he returned to Savannah, he began his lifelong career at his family’s business, Southern States, Phosphate & Fertilizer, eventually becoming President. He also started two side companies: Champion Machine Mfg. and Pump Components. Reed gave back to Savannah through membership in The Rotary Club and serving on the board of The Park and Tree Commission.

On August 13, 1960 Reed married Susan Strobhar, also of Savannah and they had three children. Susan died in 2011 and Reed married Suzanne Shellman Stuntz of Maryland.

Reed’s life was filled with many interests, first and foremost that of being a pilot, He was also a shrimper, fisherman, boater and upland hunter. In his earlier years he enjoyed golf, tennis, snow and water skiing, scuba diving, sailing, and being a member of his school choir. He also explored photography and spent many hours designing and running his model trains. With his engineer’s mind and vast experience, he could run practically any machinery, repair anything in need, and build anything he put his mind to. Dining in Savannah was also an enjoyment of his. Famous Savannah dining establishments such as Anna’s Little Napoli, Johnny Ganem’s and Johnny Harris’s earned Reed’s devoted patronage, as did various clubs such as The Oglethorpe, The Savannah Golf, Savannah Yacht and The Chatham.

Reed will be remembered for his love of the natural world, his quick wit, his charming blue eyes, and his level head in any precarious situation. 

Plus, he always read the funnies.

Reed is pre-deceased by his first wife Susan Strobhar. He leaves behind his wife, Suzanne; his daughters, Susan Atkinson of Savannah, and Catherine (Bobby) DiBenedetto of Greenwood, SC; his son, Reed Dulany, III (Meredith) of Savannah; his nine grandchildren, John, William, Leslie, and Catherine Atkinson, Tommy and Mary Adams, Mimi and Reed Dulany, and David Dibenedetto; as well as two step children, Kristine Compton and William Ireland; and three step grandchildren, Robert and Anna DiBenedetto, and Claire Compton. He also leaves behind his nieces, Holly Shields and Carroll Bull; nephew, Key Compton (Linda) of Savannah; and his first cousin, Peter Wilander(Kathy) of Brevard NC.

Reed’s life was enriched by his lifelong friendships with Charles Mormon, Edward Heyward, both now deceased, and Billy Sparks. As well, by the last fifteen years of loving care and friendship he received from Linda Miles, which can only be appropriately rewarded in heaven. And finally, his last two years of healthy living and being actively engaged in this world came through the innate perception, dedication and love given by Jill Muller and her team, including Anyisha, Michael and Felicia. 

At his request, there will be a simple graveside service for family and close friends on Saturday 30 April at 11am at Bonaventure Cemetery. Others who personally knew Reed and would like to attend the burial to say good bye may join.