Buddy Gale Boatman, 88, of The Villages, FL., formerly of Granite City, IL born January 7, 1938, in Terre Haute, IN passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026.

Buddy worked for Granite City Steel for over thirty years and retired to The Villages, FL in 2000.  Buddy proudly served in the Air Force for four years.

Buddy was preceded in death by his loving wife; Ethel, daughter; Terry, parents; Francis M. Boatman and Ruth M. Ross, one brother and son-in-law.

He is survived by three daughters; Renee Roy of The Villages, FL., Kelly (Dave) Trokey of Granite City, IL. and Cheryl Boatman of Freeburg, IL, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one sister.

Buddy liked to play Billards, Bocce ball in his spare time. He loved going to the movies, taking walks along the beach and picking up shells.  Also, he loved to listen to music at the square in The Villages. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00am, Friday, February 20, 2026, from the chapel of Sunset Hill Funeral Home.

The family is being served by Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive, Glen Carbon, Illinois 62034.