Tributes

On the early morning of October 31, 2023, Harold Andrew Reininger Jr., better known as Buddy to all who knew him, gained his glorified body in heaven. Buddy was born May 12, 1952, to the late Harold Reininger Sr. and Rose Mary Chernoch. He was preceded in death by his father Harold and Bobbie Reininger and Mother Rose Mary and John Caballero. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Judy Reininger. Children Jennifer (Christopher) Ware, Eric (Courtney) Reininger, Joshua Reininger. Grandchildren Carly (Eli), Lauren (Craig), Chris, Casey (Christian), Tyler, Jordan, Tyson, Micah, Joshua Brian, Christopher & Turner. And 8 great grandchildren. Brothers, David (Lynn), Danny (Darci), Mike (Janel) Reininger and numerous nephews and nieces. Early in life, Buddy found his love for baseball, racing, music, and religion. At the age of 12, he received his first guitar as a Christmas gift. Then, he taught himself to play and rarely put his guitar down. His love for guitar and playing music was one of Buddy’s greatest passions. After high school, Buddy was scouted by the Kansas City Royals pro baseball team, regrettably, a shoulder injury ended his potential professional career. However, when he had time, he still played baseball with his brothers in city leagues through the 80s. Another love of Buddy’s was Reininger Racing and it was also a family affair periodically for decades. He loved building racecars with his father, brothers, kids, nieces, and anyone else willing to hand him a tool. There may have been years in between, but racing allowed him to spend time with his family doing something they loved. Soon after his shoulder injury, he was drafted into the US Army and stationed in Germany where he proudly served 4 years before departing the military with an Honorable discharge, while he continued playing music whenever and wherever he could. Buddy loved playing music so much that he left his job at City Public Service to go on tour, unfortunately, only for the band to break up days later. Yet, he remained determined and was quickly picked up by another band. He had the ability of playing his guitar and leaving people wanting to hear more. He would practice songs by ear, learn and perfect them, and apply his own sound to whatever he played. In the 80s he joined the Darryl DuGosh Band and they went on tour and had the opportunity to be the opening act at the Grand Ole Opry for Charlie Pride, Atlanta, Sandy Powell and numerous others. When he returned home, he proudly shared pictures of himself on the road meeting Lee Greenwood, Steve Warner, Kenny Chesney and Hank Williams Jr among others. He enjoyed sharing stories about his time playing on the road. When he left the road, he accepted a position with an organization teaching problematic teenagers before working at Motor Machine and Parts, and he continued playing music in surrounding areas whenever and wherever he could until he was reunited with Jesus. Once he reunited with Jesus, he devoted his time and treasure playing music for the church and sharing GOD’S word with anyone who would listen. Buddy was on fire for the WORD and devoted every waking hour studying. It was his biggest honor when he was asked to pastor a congregation and lead the flock, which he accomplished the last two years of his life. Buddy was a passionate man who wanted everyone to know the love of JESUS and truth of the word.

Tributes

Harold Andrew Reininger Jr.

May 12, 1952 - October 31, 2023