Sefton Henry Rinker

Sefton Henry Rinker, 75, of Gainesville, FL, passed away on August 22, 2025, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. Sefton was born on July 21, 1950, in Augusta, GA, to Henry and Sarah (Sally) Nichols Rinker. At the age of seven, he traveled overseas with his mother, grandmother, and his beloved brother Greg (“Big Unc”), spending a year in France while his grandfather served in the U.S. Navy. After returning to the States, the family settled in Gainesville, FL, where Sefton attended J.J. Finley and later P.K. Yonge (PK). While at PK, he excelled in football and baseball, earning all-conference honors as a second baseman during his junior and senior years. Following his graduation from PK, Sefton enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served four years, stationed in Rotterdam, Holland, and later at Fort Baker in the Philippines. After leaving the Air Force, he returned to Gainesville and enrolled at the University of Florida, and worked for WRUF, developing his love for music and talk radio. He graduated in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and began working for what would later become the Athletic Attic shoe store. In 1977, while working for Athletic Attic, Sefton accepted a management position in Atlanta, GA. In 1982, he was offered a role with an upstart shoe company as one of their first sales representatives. He went on to spend the next 32 years with Nike before retiring in 2014. Sefton moved his family back to Gainesville in 1989, believing it was the best place to raise his children. Over the next 35 years, he instilled in them his love for the Gators, attending hundreds of sporting events together. A devoted fan, he followed Gator football, baseball, softball and volleyball passionately. Golf, however, was his lifelong passion. In 2011, he became a Gallery Guard at The Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA, volunteering alongside his son-in-law on the 2nd hole each year. Volunteering at Augusta National was one of the great joys of his retirement. He was also joined on the course by his son and nephew, who volunteer on holes 10 and 9, respectively. Beyond Augusta, Sefton found equal joy walking countless courses over the past decade, proudly following his grandson Ian through junior and amateur golf tournaments. Being part of Ian’s journey in the game he loved was one of his greatest pleasures. Sefton was a beloved son, brother, and gentleman, but above all, a devoted father and grandfather. To his colleagues at Nike, he was a mentor and role model. To his family, he was the best father, grandfather, brother, and uncle imaginable—a man we are eternally proud of. He lived his life making the lives of those around him better. The best way to sum up his life is simply: he won. Sefton is survived by his three children, Greg Rinker, Laura (Beau) Lentz, and Doug Rinker; his four grandchildren, Sarah Lentz, Ian Lentz, Michael Rinker, and Aiden Rinker; his sisters Louise Mulherin, Claudia Fritz, Sara Kelahan, Emily (Randy) Stastny, and Debra (Tim) Gillespie; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Greg “Big Unc” Rinker and Tony Rinker. A burial service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Westover Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, GA, with a celebration of life to follow at his niece’s home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics in honor of his grandson, Michael, a dedicated and accomplished Special Olympics multisport athlete. Donations can be made online at http://SpecialOlympics.com or Special Olympics, Attn: Memorial Giving, 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, 11th Floor, Washington, DC.

Sefton Henry Rinker

July 21, 1950 - August 22, 2025