Buddy Staples

On September 4, 2025, Buddy left this Earth to join some of the great men in Heaven. Buddy lived a life of love, charity, laughter, and boating. He was his happiest when he was surrounded by his family (especially his girls) , friends, animals, and the open water.

If you knew Buddy, you knew his smile and if you didn’t know him, you remembered his smile and that twinkle in his eye. Buddy never met a stranger and always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He greeted you with a warm welcoming smile, but left you with a hug and a friend forever.

Boating wasn’t just his passion, it was his way of life. Whether he was out on the water, taking friends for a ride or helping his sister learn to drive the boat and get it safely on the trailer, he was at home on the water.

Buddy’s likability made him perfect for sales and he was happiest in boat sales helping someone find the perfect boat and sharing his enthusiasm for the joy that it would bring into their life.

He had a soft heart for animals, especially his goldens, and he always had a free hand to sneak them a snack or give them a treat.

More than anything, Buddy loved his family and friends. Time together – whether it was a holiday gathering, a day on the boat, or a simple lunch or dinner meant everything to him, especially the time he spent with his Mom.

Buddy joins his son, Garrett Staples, and his Dad, Jack Staples in Heaven where I’m sure he’s driving the boat, Garrett’s fishing and Jack is watching them both with pride.

He is survived by his mom, Judie Staples, wife, Denese Staples, daughter, Lindsey Marie Staples, brother, Jody Staples and sister Kathy Staples Wolf. Buddy was also blessed with a stepdaughter Ashley De Luca, who blessed him with his grandson Rhodes Foster. His nieces and nephew, Taylor Wolf, Cooper Wolf and Alex Staples will always remember Uncle Buddy as a man they could count on for whatever they needed.

A celebration of life will be held on September 20, 2025 at Sylvan Abbey (2853 Sunset Point Rd. Clearwater, FL 33759) with a visitation starting at 10, services at 11, and reception from 12 to 2. If there’s a story you would like to share the family would love to hear it.

Although Buddy’s boat has left the dock for one final time, his love, infectious smile, and generous spirit will remain just as steady as the tides and as endless as the ocean in our hearts and heads forever.