Jeffrey "Jeff" Neal Rinks

Jeffrey Neal Rinks, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on November 10, 2026. A devoted husband, proud father, loving brother, and cherished friend, Jeff will be remembered for his generous heart, wonderful sense of humor, and the joy he brought to those around him.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Jeff grew up in the Tri-Cities area of East Tennessee and graduated from Sullivan Central High School in 1980. He went on to attend Shorter College in Rome, Georgia, where he excelled as a pitcher on the baseball team. His love of sports remained a constant throughout his life.

After moving to Florida, Jeff spent many years working at Grand Cypress Resort and Golf Club, where his passion for golf continued to flourish. He later built a successful career with The Kessler Hotel Collection, dedicating 22 years to sales at both the corporate office and various hotels throughout the collection. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jeff was especially known among his colleagues for his quick wit, infectious humor, and remarkable ability to make everyone laugh.

An avid outdoorsman, Jeff found great happiness on the golf course and in the outdoors, enjoying fishing and hunting whenever he had the opportunity. He was also a passionate and loyal supporter of the University of Tennessee Volunteers. Whether cheering on his beloved Vols or sharing a laugh with friends, Jeff embraced life with enthusiasm and a spirit that was uniquely his. Go Vols!

Above all else, Jeff's greatest joy was his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbie, and their two children, Haley and Matthew, whom he adored beyond measure. His children were truly his pride and joy, and anyone who worked alongside Jeff knew just how much they meant to him. He never missed an opportunity to share stories of their accomplishments or express how incredibly proud he was of them both.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Joe N. and Janice Rinks. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his brother, Tim Rinks, of Eads, Tennessee, and his family, along with extended family members in Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

Jeff will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, and generous man who never hesitated to lend a helping hand to someone in need. His laughter, warmth, and genuine love for others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved him, the memories he created and the love he shared will live on in their hearts forever.

In honor of Jeff's generous spirit and commitment to helping others, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Matthew's Hope Ministries, an organization dedicated to serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the community Jeff and his family called home.

Donations may be made by check payable to:

Matthew's Hope Ministries

611 Business Park Blvd.

Winter Garden, FL 34787

Online donations may also be made at:

https://matthewshopeministries.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/22192

Jeff's legacy will live on through the family he loved so deeply, the friendships he treasured, and the countless smiles he brought to the world.