Buddy “Scott” Watley, 46, of Lake City, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at the HCA Florida – Lake City Hospital after a sudden illness. He was born in Gainesville, Fla., on May 23, 1976 and has made the Lake City and Live Oak area his home all of his life. He was of the Baptist faith and was a handyman by trade. In his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with his children.
He is survived by his father, O.F. “Buddy” Watley, Jr. (Laura), of Live Oak; mother, Jacqueline Green Espenship (the late Bud Espenship), of Lake City; daughters, Lainey Watley and Nevaeh Ratliff, both of Lake City; sons, Blayze Ratliff, Noah Ratliff, Brody Watley and Trooper Geiger, all of Lake City; and his brothers, Jason Cheshire (Heather), Chris Watley (Cricket) and Chad Cheshire (Andrea), all of Live Oak, Joel Watley (Suzie), of Lake City, and Larry “Scooter” McCraney, of Alabama. Five nieces, five nephews and many cousins also survive.
A funeral service for Wately will be conducted on Thursday, June 23, at 2 p.m. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow in Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, June 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.
