Sidney S. Friedman Jr. D.D.S.

Sidney S. Friedman Jr., D.D.S. November 22, 1926 – July 5, 2025
Sid Friedman, affectionately known as "Poppy," passed away peacefully at home in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 5, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and dentist, Sid lived a long, full life rich with humor, service, and love.
Born in Memphis on November 22, 1926, to Sidney and Bertie Friedman, Sid attended Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina before graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. He served proudly in both the Navy during World War II and the Army during the Korean War, where his time in Korea in a MASH unit profoundly shaped his life. He cherished those memories and often shared stories from that chapter with warmth and wit. Those who watched the MASH TV series might recognize his namesake - the compassionate character Dr. Sidney Friedman.
Sid joined his father in private dental practice in Memphis, where he cared for patients for 50 years. He followed in his father's footsteps teaching at UT College of Dentistry, influencing generations of future dentists with his skill, integrity, and deep commitment to the profession. His legacy at UT lives on today as every year a top student is presented with the Sidney S. Friedman DDS Award for Periodontal Dentistry.
Sid was known for his razor-sharp wit, unwavering honesty, and warm heart. He had a lifelong passion for boating and fishing, especially enjoying these with his late son Steve. Golf was another favorite pastime of his - whether with his regular crew of friends or his weekly game with his son Sid. Remarkably, he celebrated his 98th birthday on the golf course with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Sid was preceded in death by his beloved son, Steve Friedman. He leaves behind a wide circle of loved ones who will miss him dearly, including his wife of 60 years, Ann Friedman; his children, Sid Friedman and Ellen (Brad) Kaplan; his daughter-in-law, Betsy Friedman; and his grandchildren, Nathan and Audrey Friedman and Maya and Cole Kaplan. He is also remembered with great affection by extended family, cherished friends, and generations of grateful patients.
Sid often said the secrets to a long, joyful life were simple: marry a dynamic younger woman and enjoy a bourbon every night. In his honor, we invite you to raise a glass and toast a life well lived.
Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 8th in the Levy-Cooper Chapel at the Temple Israel Cemetery, 1708 Hernando Road, Memphis, TN 38106 with burial following.
The service will be live streamed and can be viewed at: https://timemphis.org/watch-live/
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Sid's memory to the Church Health Center, the Mid-South Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.