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, Florida 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) & 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 Scott will be conducted on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 2:00 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, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.