William Lamar Gatlin III

William “Buddy” Lamar Gatlin III Buddy Gatlin, 68, died Monday, December 8, 2025, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL. Buddy was a well known tile setter, installing tile all over Tallahassee and the surrounding areas for more than 40 years. He even worked on crews in New York and Barbados. He was a perfectionist with an artistic gift that he utilized in all his projects. Buddy could point out every single house or building he ever worked on, and remember the exact tile that was used, just don’t ask him what he ate for dinner last night because he won’t remember. 

Buddy was a lifelong boating and fishing enthusiast. He loved being on the water and sharing his knowledge on any boat or motor. A huge FSU football fan, he even named a boat ‘Fishrooskie’ after the ‘Puntrooskie’. A jolly giant at 6’5, he was always willing to help people reach items on a high shelf when necessary and was the friend you could count on to help with anything you needed. Buddy was always ready to joke and laugh in any situation. 

GrandBuddy to his 5 grandchildren, he referred to them as his light and would often FaceTime to chase away the darkness by talking with them. Buddy would not even greet adults before he was on the floor playing and sneaking them soft peppermints, or Buddy Mints as they are now known. He was at his happiest when holding one of the babies or tricking the kids into scratching his back by driving cars on it. 

He is predeceased in death by his parents William “Sonny” Lamar Gatlin Jr. and Claudette Gatlin; his beloved Aunt Betty; and his dog Winston. 

He is survived by his children Katie Sewards (Justin), and Andrew Gatlin (Cassie); grandchildren Aiden Sewards, Corbin Sewards, Peyton Gatlin, Addisyn Gatlin, and Riley Gatlin; his sister Debbie Gatlin Kelly, his brother Randy Gatlin; and his nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Buddy in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Hospice’s First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care in Tallahassee, Florida. (bigbendhospice.org), who took exceptional care of him. And since I get the last word Buddy, YOUR mama wears army boots!