Bernard "Bud" Shinault Jr., 83, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, with his family by his side. Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, he was a member of the Bluefield High School Class of 1960. Bud went on to attend Concord University, where he was a proud member of the 1961 Conference Championship Baseball Team and was later inducted into the Concord University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019 alongside the other surviving members of his team.

Bud always spoke fondly of his time in college working as a counselor and coach at Camp Skycrest, a kids summer camp in the mountains of Pennsylvania, where he served alongside several of his Concord baseball teammates.

Bud dedicated over 30 years to teaching geography and civics while also coaching just about every sport Fort Chiswell High School offered—football, baseball, boys' and girls' basketball, and track. During his final years of teaching and coaching, he even founded the school's golf team. He left a lasting impact not only through his knowledge, but through his humor and encouragement.

A lifelong WVU Mountaineers fan, Bud stood by his Mountaineers through good times and bad. Mostly bad, Bud would say. He loved golf, good food, classic TV, movies, music, animals, and getting a laugh out of those around him.

Above all, Bud was a proud father to his son, Sam, with whom he shared a close bond. Sam was honored to be one of Bud's caregivers in his final years.

Bud is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Shinault, and his son, Sam Shinault. He is preceded in death by his father, Bernard W. Shinault; his mother, Dorothy Fridley Shinault; his sister, Bonnie Shinault; and his loyal hound dog, Huggy.

In keeping with Bud's wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local SPCA or animal shelter.

"Country roads, take me home, to the place I belong, West Virginia, mountain mama, take me home, country roads." — John Denver

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Shinault Family.