The "heartbroken" wife of Alice Springs man Kevin Reid, shot dead in the US this week, has told of how he died protecting her during a robbery attempt as they walked home from dinner in the southern state of Georgia.

The Savannah-Chatham police department confirmed 54-year-old Mr Reid was shot dead after he was approached by three men while out walking with his wife on Wednesday night.

In a statement on her Facebook page, Kari Graham-Reid said her husband died a hero.

"As many of you have heard, my husband was shot and killed Wednesday night when we were walking home from dinner," Mrs Graham-Reid said.

"He moved me out of the way and more than likely saved my life. He was a hero in so many ways, and my heart is broken."

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In Alice Springs, Mr Reid's friend Dale McIver said the couple were just days out from celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

"It sounds like that Kevin, as always, was the absolute true gentleman, and it looks like he sort of stood in the way and protected his wife, Kari, and very sadly got in the line of fire and unfortunately has not survived," Ms McIver said.

Mr Reid died en route to hospital and police said they were searching for the suspects.

Kevin Reid killed months after opening business

Mr Reid owned a car rental business in Alice Springs before moving to the US and setting up an Aboriginal art gallery five months ago.

According to Mr Reid's website for his business — The Australian Aboriginal Art Gallery — he spent 25 years working in communities throughout Central Australia.

In an interview filmed by a local TV station in August, Mr Reid commented how much he loved the city of Savannah, and that he and his wife had met there.

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The ABC understands Mr Reid and his wife married in Savannah, Georgia in September 2015.

"Kevin was the most wonderful man I've ever known, he would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need," Mrs Graham-Reid said.

"He was bright, funny and deeply loyal. The happiest day of my life was the day we got married. I treasure every minute we had together.

"I want to thank you all for your love for Kevin, condolences and thoughts of sympathy. He made an impact on people wherever he went and he will be missed by countless.

"Kevin, you were the love of my life and I will miss you every single day. My world will never be the same."

Kevin Reid was walking with his wife Kari when he was shot and killed. ( Supplied )

Ms McIver said she had known Mr Reid well and she was shocked by his death.

"He loved Central Australia, but he also loved travelling the world as well and had an absolute passion for Aboriginal art," she said.

A memorial for Mr Reid will be held at his Savannah business on September 28.