SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - Sylvan M Byck, Jr., 81, of Savannah, Georgia, husband of Judy Appel Byck, died peacefully Wednesday morning, April 6, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family and friends and under the care of Hospice Savannah.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, he was the only child of Sylvan M Byck, Sr. and the late Beatrice Lichtman Byck. Mr. Byck was a member of Congregation Mickve Israel. He was a graduate of Savannah High School, the University of Alabama and a United States Air Force veteran. He spent his professional career in real estate management while associated with Byck Electric Company and Chatham City Corporation. Mr. Byck was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Alee Shrine Temple, the Savannah Golf Club, and a member and served on the board of directors for the 200 Club. He was appointed to the Georgia Ports Authority Board by Governor Zel Miller and to the Georgia Lottery Board by Governor Roy Barnes. Mr. Byck was a past chairman of the Savannah Ports Authority, the Metropolitan Planning Commission, the Association of United States Army, the Savannah Waterfront Association, and a founding board member of First Chatham Bank. He was also a past trustee of the Permanent Fund for Congregation Mickve Israel, a past board member of the Telfair Museum board of directors, and the Jewish Educational Alliance. He was affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by his four precious grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Judy Appel Byck of Savannah, Georgia; one daughter, Donna Eichholz and her husband, Tony, of Savannah, Georgia; one son, David Kelly and his wife, Helen, of Savannah, Georgia, and four grandchildren, Amelia Eichholz, Caroline Eichholz, Charlotte Kelly and Kurt Kelly.

The funeral service will be held at 1:30 o’clock Friday afternoon at the graveside, Bonaventure Cemetery.

Remembrances: Jewish Educational Alliance – 5111 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31405 or a charity of the donor’s choice.