Tyler Benjamin Reddick, Jr. was born on April 4, 1922, in the city of St. Louis on West Belle Place. The proud parents were Tyler B. Reddick, Sr. and Izetta Farley Reddick. This was still a time when home births took place. Preceding him in death are his three older sisters, Sara Matilda, Mary Belle and Izetta Farley.
“Bud” as he is more affectionately known by, started out working hard by being paid to sweep the steps and sidewalks of his home block of 4200 E. Cook Avenue. One of his neighbors gave him the nickname. He attended Simmons school and was a triple a crossing guard during elementary school. While Bud attended Sumner High School he ran track. He enjoyed singing and participated in the choir. He began college at West Virginia State where his older sister Mary Belle was attending, but later decided to go on the road working with the rail road as a dining car porter. Bud was later drafted by the United States Army. He served during World War II and completed tours overseas in Liverpool, England, Germany, and Marseilles, France.
Meanwhile, there was a fancy flower on the home front that was a friend of the Reddick girls who they introduced to their brother, Olive Louise Bordeaux. Her family was comprised of a total of seven siblings. They were such a beautiful couple and were married for 42 years before her passing in 1989.
Bud had a strong work ethic, was a devoted husband and father. His primary role was working as a Chemical Operator with Monsanto, Inc. where he retired after 37 years of dedicated service. Throughout his career, he worked part time with the Rebecca Parker Catering Company, utilized his Real Estate license and even owned the Do Drop In restaurant.
He had a love of African-American Poetry and would often recite it. His hobbies included singing in the Men’s choir, playing golf, enjoying excellent Jazz and playing bridge. He took piano lessons from Leon Burke, a Piano Teacher and Church Organist.
Bud leaves us in the land of the living to meet and greet all his family, friends and acquaintances in heaven. He is survived by his three daughters, Ava Rochelle, Donna Louise and Gigi Bordeaux, his son-in-law Orlando Johnson. He is survived by his nephews, Benjamin Farley Monroe, Cletus Bordeaux, Jr., Samuel Bordeaux, Clovis Bordeaux, Jr., Jacques Bordeaux, Edgar Barbera, Donald Barbera, and John Barbera. He is also survived by his nieces, Tina Washington, Ollie Wooten, Janine Bordeaux, and Lynda Barbera. Bud also had a host of great-nephews, great-great-nephews, great-nieces, and great-great-nieces. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and experiencing him.
