Charles "Buddy" Shainker

Charles "Buddy" Shainker obituary

Charles "Buddy" Shainker

Charles Shainker Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care on Aug. 25, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday August 27, 2025 2:30 pm at Crest Lawn Memorial Park.

RECORDING: Please click here to view the funeral livestream recording video.

Charles 'Buddy' Shainker, born in Atlanta June 11, 1927, son of Barnett and Sadye Wender Shainker. He was a beloved father, grandfather (Zayde), uncle, cousin, and friend to so many. He deeply loved each of his children and grandchildren.

Buddy was a proud graduate of Atlanta's Boys High School (December, 1944), before enlisting in the US Navy where he served aboard Patrol Craft 1549 in the Pacific during WWII (1945) and in 1946. He graduated from The University of Georgia (BBA 1949) where he served very actively in Tau Epsilon Phi (TEP) Fraternity.

After college, he spent 5 years travelling in sales for Scripto, then 20 years in securities and investment banking with several firms. He was the first to offer discount broker commissions in the Southeast, and he introduced option writing to the Atlanta area with lectures and seminars. Buddy then began a successful 35-year sales career with Zep Manufacturing working into his 80s (he said work kept him healthy and young). He exercised everyday into his 90s, including twice weekly tennis until the age of 94 at Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. He enjoyed watching every Atlanta Braves and UGA Football game. He was a huge lifetime UGA Bulldog fan attending his first game in 1939. He traveled and cruised extensively worldwide.

Buddy served as the youngest President of Atlanta's Progressive Club (1960) and for 17 years he served on the board of Atlanta's Ahavath Achim (AA) Synagogue where his family were charter members in 1886. He was president of the Alumni Club for TEP in Georgia and on TEP's national governing board for several years. For many years he actively served the Jewish Welfare Board. He also supported several charities including American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and others.

Buddy is survived by his four children (with Jacky Jordan), daughter Eileen (Tony) Tantillo (Atlanta), sons Kenneth (Laura) Shainker (Bedford, Texas), David (Laura) Shainker (Atlanta), and Russell (Lisa) Shainker (Atlanta), grandchildren Lisa (Zack) Tantillo Callaghan, Kevin Tantillo, Margaux St Germain, Mariah Krueger, Juliet Shainker, Mike Ward, Clifton Reynolds, Brent Mayhan, Sarah Shainker Connelly (Kyle), Jessica Shainker Dolder (Ben), and Benjamin Shainker, and Brian Shainker, step children Harlan (Sherrie) Kinsler and Sharon Karlan, and step grandchildren. Buddy was predeceased by his sister Bernice Shainker Toran Alter.

Burial Services will be Wednesday, August 27th at 2:30 pm at Crest Lawn Memorial Park 2000 Marietta Blvd, NW, Atlanta. Shiva following the service until 8:30 pm at 520 Riverhill Drive, Sandy Springs, 30328. Minyan will take place 7:00 PM during shiva. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Winship Cancer Center (Emory University), Ahavath Achim Synagogue Barnett and Sadye Shainker Memorial Fund, Bremen Jewish Home, or American Cancer Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Charles Shainker's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care

3734 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. P.O. Box 80647, Atlanta, GA 30341

Make a Donation
in Charles Shainker's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Charles Shainker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Charles Shainker's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?