Ralph "Buddy" Borger Jr. (71) passed away peacefully at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL on September 2, 2015. He was born on April 15, 1944 to Ralph Sr. and Jeanette Borger in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, and two sons, Michael (46) and Douglas (44).

Buddy's family moved to Florida in 1960, where he began attending Pompano Beach Senior High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Army, and while stationed back near Cincinnati, he met and married his wife, Shirley. He served a total of four years in the Army before returning, with Shirley, to Pompano Beach to grow his family. In 1969, Buddy joined the Pompano Beach Fire Department and embarked on what would become a 22 year career, involving a variety of positions of increasing responsibility. In 1984, he was promoted to Chief of Department. Buddy retired in 1991 and enjoyed many years of relaxation in positions of decreasing responsibility. He enjoyed life on the beach, life on the tennis courts, and social gatherings with friends while residing in Hutchinson Island, Port St. Lucie, and ultimately Daytona Beach, FL.

In 2003, Buddy was diagnosed with Idopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, an incurable lung disease of unknown origin. By 2008, he was in emergency need of a double lung transplant. Miraculously, a pair of lungs came available with less than 24 hours to spare. A successful operation extended his life another 7 years. He became active again, even returning to the tennis courts, and continued to spend quality time with friends and family.

Buddy loved his family and positioned them for success and happiness. Shirley was the love of his life and they recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Their two sons continue loving and respecting both of them even to this day. Buddy maintained contact with lifelong friends and spoke of them often to his family. In his final days, Buddy reaffirmed his love for Christ, declaring Jesus his Lord and Savior. While he will be deeply missed here, Buddy will be warmly welcomed in Heaven.