Frances Reedy Buyck

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Frances Reedy Buyck, 76, wife of William Otis Buyck, died Sunday, May 11, 2014, at her residence.

She was born on April 27, 1938, the only child of Rose Stroman Reedy and Francis Crittendon Reedy.  Always the accomplished reader and student, she graduated as the Valedictorian of Manning High School Class of 1956.  She was the winner of the 1958 Miss Manning pageant, selected on qualifications of “beauty, talent, and poise.”  An acclaimed artist, she displayed works of art she had created since the age of 7 in both Miss Manning and Miss South Carolina pageants.  She graduated with honors from Converse College with a degree in studio art and had her eyes set on graduate school in Studio Art after college.

With the sudden death of her father, Francis Crittendon Reedy, one of the founding members of Bank of Clarendon, she chose a career in business instead of her pursuing her love of art.  She became the first female graduate of the University of South Carolina’s Masters in Business Administration program in 1964.

After a long courtship, she married William O. Buyck from St. Matthews.  While living in Orangeburg, she served as the Director of the Business Administration Department of Orangeburg-Technical College until the birth of her first child. In Orangeburgshe discovered her love of volunteerism.  She became a member of the Orangeburg Junior Service League and the Orangeburg Garden Club.  She was active with numerous floral shows throughout South Carolina, both as a presenter and a judge.

In 1980, she returned home to Manning with her family andcontinued serving as a director of the Bank of Clarendon.  She also dutifully fulfilled her roles as a dedicated wife, mother, and volunteer in the community.   She was very active in her childrens' athletic and academic activities.  She often served as a substitute at Laurence Manning Academy. She was a member and President for the Camelia Garden Club and was a member and Elder of the Presbyterian Church at Manning. She was a founding member of the Lord Clarendon Cotillion.

In 2011, she joined the South Carolina Bankers Association’s 50 Year Club for 50 years of service to the South Carolina banking community. She served on the Bank of Clarendon Board of Directors from 1960 until the time of her death

She was passionate about her pets. She was especially fond of golden retrievers, and was never at a loss for advice to pass along to those interested in the breed.  She also had quite an affinity for playing bridge.  She was an avid player and involved with several different groups over the years. She always took great pride in her success and prowess in the game.

She is survived by her loving husband;  her daughter, Rose Buyck Newton (Weston) of Bluffton; her son William O. Buyck, Jr. (Caroline) of Manning; five grandchildren, Reedy Newton, William Newton, Eliza Rose Newton, William O. Buyck III and Mary Catherine Buyck; and her loving dog, Buddy.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2014,  at the Presbyterian Church at Manning with the Rev. Dr. George Wilkes officiating. Burial will follow in Manning Cemetery.

W. Louis Griffith Jr., J. Barry Ham, Lannes C. Prothro III, William S. Prothro, David L. Goldsmith Jr. and A.C. English Jr. will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home of her son, 1452 Canterberry Drive.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Church at Manning, P.O. Box 207, Manning, SC 29102.

Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org