Buddy Wellman (born William Chester Franklin Wellman V), entered heaven on Sunday, August 12 at 4:30 p.m., as God called him to be home. All who knew Buddy can attest that Christ gained the most loyal, genuine, intuitive, humble, handsome, brilliant, and witty man at the moment those on earth gained our angel.
Buddy was born in Orange, CA on May 21, 1974. As a child, Buddy was a beloved athlete who exceled on all fields. He pursued and accomplished dreams of playing college baseball and football. After a brief career as an accountant, Buddy shifted his professional goals to focus on a position in higher education and athletics. He pushed himself to achieve a Master's degree to lay the stepping stones to making this dream come true. With humility, hard work, and determination, Buddy would find himself in his first true home away from home: The University of Florida's University Athletic Association, Inc. in the Office of Student Life. It was in this office he would meet Ashley Reagan Peake who, exactly one year after their first date, would become his wife, life partner, and best friend. Husband was a role that Buddy fulfilled flawlessly; he daily upheld his vows to protect, defend, and honor his wife while laughter, encouragement, trust, and respect served as the foundation of their love.
Through the years, his athletic notoriety beautifully transitioned into a more intimate, beautiful, genuine version of greatness. Together Buddy and Ashley had a journey that would take them from Gainesville, FL to Charleston, SC, and then to Warrensburg, MO. It was here that Buddy Wellman's true legacy was solidified.Buddy Wellman's most beautiful accomplishment, Reagan Lynn Wellman, was born on May 15, 2014. He considered her his greatest gift, as she arrived days before his 40th birthday. From the moment she was born, Buddy Wellman was the proudest, most engaged, natural, and loving father. In the four years that Reagan had her father on earth, he instilled in her a deep faith, love, and respect for others. Each day he sought little ways to create memories, to teach her daily lessons, and to build her confidence and belief in herself. The father-daughter bond between these two was and is unbreakable- mirroring the power of the fairytale love shared by her parents. Now their guardian angel, Buddy Wellman is paving the way for Ashley and Reagan's success.
Most recently, Buddy and Ashley had carefully crafted a major move to Fort Worth, TX with the dream of being a thriving part of the Texas Christian University family. The decision that this was the right place for the family was clear when Buddy reassured Ashley that home would be where people would love and respect her and would care for her family. In that moment, by prioritizing what mattered most (family and love), Buddy got his girls to TCU and Fort Worth-a decision that just days after his death is proving that Buddy always knew best.
Buddy is survived by his wife, Ashley Wellman and his precious daughter, Reagan Wellman. Buddy was the proud son of his surviving parents, Sharon and Chick (William) Wellman IV of Riverside, California. His honor will live on through his siblings John Metcalf, Selena Wellman Harris (Matt Harris), and Vanessa Wellman Heaton (Brian Heaton), and through his extended family. Bruce, Cindy and Gerrad Peake of Pensacola, FL had the pleasure of having Buddy Wellman as their second son and brother.
Buddy Wellman, your legacy will continue to be shared, your name honored daily, and your dreams fulfilled by "your girls" and all those who loved you. Every day your love, spirit, and energy will be what keeps us grounded and moving forward to accomplish our dreams. Until we are reunited again, remember Buddy Wellman, you will be loved today, tomorrow, and for all of eternity.