Christopher Buck Whatley, 58, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026 after a long battle with cancer. He was a cherished brother, uncle, and friend to many and his presence will be deeply missed. He was a kind man full of life and adventure, marching only to the beat of his own drum, and he knew just how to instill those qualities in everyone he crossed paths with.

Buck was born March 7, 1968 in Louisiana to Joyce and Dick Whatley. He made Orlando his home after a life of many adventures, ultimately settling down close by family. He loved to spend time with his family out in nature, fishing and camping. Buck was passionate about his work and his art. His friends’ yards are a testament to his green thumb; he could turn a plain sea of grass into a warm sanctuary of carefully-cultivated flowers for his loved ones to enjoy. Also important to him was caring for the less fortunate, feeding the unhoused.

Above all, Buck was an artist. He gave himself the name “The Hobo Artist” and wore it like a badge of all he’d seen and done, and all he became in spite of it. Buck reflected often about his time painting in the woods, disconnected from everything but the here and now. He put his soul into his paintings. Many are beautiful masterpieces, some are very raw and hard to take in. He is proud of all of them, because they are the culmination of all his experiences and journeys.

Buck is survived by his sister, Mickie Kenna (Martin Ortega); brother, Mace Whatley; nephew, Scottie Kenna; niece, Jyssika Schaener; niece, Jordan Kenna; niece, Alyssa Whatley; nephew, Jarad Kenna; nephew, Martin Ortega Jr.; great-nieces, and many beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce Whatley and Dick Whatley; brother, Larry Whatley; step-up dad, Fred Tokarsky; and his beloved Virginia DeVries.

A celebration of Buck’s life will be held at Faith Harvest Worship Center, 1537 Mill Slough Rd, Kissimmee, Florida. Details regarding the date and time will be released shortly. The family invites all who knew Buck to attend and share their favorite memories.