Charles Douglas “Buck” Rinker, age 83 of Purgitsville, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Born July 30, 1941 in Purgitsville, he was the son of the late Cleal Edgar Rinker and Grace Louise (Clayton) Rinker. Besides his parents, Buck is preceded in death by his great grandchildren, Landon and Nolan Rinker; and a sister, Edna Shrout.
Buck is survived by his wife of 60-years, Sudie E. Rinker of Purgitsville; his son, Steven D. Rinker and wife Dee Dee of Purgitsville; his grandchildren, Justin Rinker of Ohio, Jared Rinker and wife Rosie of Ohio, and Brittney Wright and husband Eric of Ranson, WV; and his great grandchildren, Jordan, Karter, Spencer, Karson, Isabella, Estella, and Scarlett. He is also survived by his brother, David Rinker of Pennsylvania; his sister, Helen Bailey of Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Raised in Purgitsville and directly out of school, Buck entered the US Army, receiving an honorable discharge after his four years of service. He and Sudie married on September 30, 1964 and the young couple moved Alexandria, VA where Buck went to work construction for CW Wright as one of their first employees. Steve came along in 1965 and in 1972, the family moved back to Purgitsville. Buck went into business for himself and established his own excavating company, Williams and Rinker, working there until 1985. After a brief stint of working for Gerald Sites, Buck went back into business for himself, forming South Branch Construction in 1988.
From a young age, Buck had a passion for Indian motorcycles. In 1990, he and Steve started building and collecting Indians. Over the years, that father and son hobby turned into a family hobby that continues to thrive. His interest in guns also led him to open South Branch Muzzleloading, which he operated out his home in Purgitsville from 1978 to 1992. In 1992, he opened South Branch Guns and Pawn, located just outside of Romney, which continues to operate today.
Buck achieved many accolades in his life. He was recognized as a Primitive Rifle Builder by the Kentucky Rifle Association. He was a founding member and past president of the WV Muzzle Loaders Association and was very instrumental in WV starting a muzzleloader hunting season. He was a member of the Moorefield Masonic Lodge #29 A.F. & A.M. and was the Past Worthy Patron and member of OES #102 in Moorefield.
Buck was an avid outdoorsman. Many of his vacations consisted of hunting trips with Sudie. He was also a licensed private pilot and taught the family to fly. When it came to his family, he was compassionate, understanding, and always helping. Buck will sorely be missed by all who loved him.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 6:00 PM till 8:00 PM at Shaffer Funeral Home in Romney. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM with Keith Casteel officiating. Interment will follow at Fout Cemetery in Old Fields with Masonic Graveside Rites accorded by the Moorefield Masonic Lodge #29 A.F. & A.M.
Please direct inquiries to Shaffer Funeral Home, Romney 304.822.3511
