Melvin Joel "Buddy" Ballin

Melvin Joel "Buddy" Ballin passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on October 30, 2025, at the age of 91.

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Rose and Al Ballin, and his sister, Carolyn Weinman. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Jean; children, Barbara and Bruce Newman and Steven and Josie Ballin.

He was "Pop" to his cherished grandchildren, Allison and Louis Kapp, Scott Newman, and Benji, Ellie, and Samantha Ballin and to his two great-granddaughters, Ava and Ruby Kapp, who brought him immense joy.

Buddy was a graduate of Central High School, Memphis State, and served as a navigator in the United States Air Force. He was the longtime owner and operator of Freudberg's women's apparel from 1959 to 1991 and later served as President and Chairman Emeritus of King Furs & Fine Jewelry, a family business he guided with vision and dedication from 1985 through today.

A devoted community leader, Buddy served as President of the Memphis Jewish Community Center, where his warmth and generosity left a lasting mark. He will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and love of family-a life truly well lived.

Services and burial will be held Sunday, November 2 at 2 p.m. at Temple Israel Cemetery, 1708 Hernando Road, Memphis, TN 38106. Services may also be streamed at timemphis.org/watch-live.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ARTSmemphis, Mid-South Food Bank, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Planned Parenthood of Tennessee or Temple Israel.