Rapid City - "Buddy" William G. Meredith, age 89, of Rapid City, SD, passed away January 15, 2016 with his family by his side.

Born April 13, 1926 in Beaver Falls, PA, he was the son of the late William and Agnes (Todd) Meredith (Goen).  After graduating high school in 1944, Buddy enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II.  After the war, Buddy returned to Pennsylvania where he met Lois Brown – they were married on September 10, 1949.  A year later the couple moved to Rapid City, SD where Buddy pursued his dream of a career in country music.

Beginning in the 1950's, Buddy formed and played in numerous bands that performed all over the Midwest.  Buddy was instrumental in bringing the music of dozens of Nashville stars to the Black Hills area, and is warmly remembered for playing dances throughout the local 5 state area.  During his career he was invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry several times.  Late in his career, Buddy joined the Circle B Cowboys and played nightly dinner shows for nearly 20 years.  In 2006, the governor presented Buddy with the Rushmore Honors Award for his contribution to the arts and cultural life of the Rapid City community.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; his uncle, Joseph "Sonny" Todd; and his brother, Jim Goen.

Buddy is survived by Lois Meredith; daughters Michelle Payne and Lori Rigmaiden (Richard); son William Meredith (Veronica); 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; his brother Baylor "Shorty" Goen (Janice) and sister Margaret Bouton (Michael) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 10:00 am Wednesday, January 20 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Boulevard.

Inurnment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with full military honors.