Thomas Clayton Rinehart

Thomas Clayton "Dude" Rinehart October 24, 1954 – June 14, 2025

With deep sorrow and abiding love, we announce the passing of Thomas Clayton “Dude” Rinehart of Pax, West Virginia, who departed this life on Saturday, June 14, 2025, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.

Born in Mossy, WV on October 24, 1954, Thomas was a man of grit, heart, and soul—steadfast in his faith, loyal in love, and generous in spirit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dallas and Agnes (Aliff) Rinehart; his brother Bobby Rinehart; and his beloved sons, Jason and Jeremy Rinehart.

He is survived by his wife Lisa (Ingram) Rinehart, and his loving daughters, Brandy (Rinehart) Thomas and her husband Phil Thomas, and Alisha (Rinehart) Colaiseno and her husband Allen Colaiseno. He was a proud grandfather to Damaria, Leah, Jaden, Cory, Emily, Alex, Braylan, Raeann, Tyler, Gabby, and Landon, and a cherished great-grandfather to Zayah, Madilyn, Aria, Sage, and Greyson.

Also left to carry on his memory are his brother Ralph Rinehart (Kellie), and his sisters Aquilla Zutaut, Tammy Gibson (Mark), and Annell Evans (Roger), along with a large circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Thomas, lovingly known as “Dude,” lived life with purpose and passion. He found peace in the quiet of the woods and joy on the open road. A lifelong outdoorsman, he treasured the stillness of hunting, the patience of fishing, and the freedom of riding his Harley Davidson through the winding hills of West Virginia. He was never more at home than when he was surrounded by the beauty of nature or the laughter of his family.

Dude retired after many years as a surface miner, where he proudly ran a 785 rock truck. His time in the mines was marked not only by hard work but by the deep and lasting friendships he built with his fellow miners—brotherhoods forged in grit and trust that stayed with him throughout his life.

A man of faith, Dude was a proud member of Weirwood Community Church. His quiet strength, warm smile, and unwavering love will be remembered by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the simple blessings of life.

A celebration of Dude’s life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM for family and at 1:00 PM for friends. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Tom Lilly. Burial will take place at the Rinehart Family Cemetery in Mossy, where Dude will be laid to rest.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Damaria, Braylan, Alex, Jaden, Tyler, and Cory.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit will forever ride with the wind, echo in the hills he roamed, and live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.

The family of Thomas Rinehart is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.