Dr. William Franklin Riner, Jr.

June 7, 1944 – December 19, 2023

Dr. William F. Riner, Jr., Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster, died December 19, 2023, at the age of 79.  His life was a testament to unwavering dedication, scholarship, and profound impact in the community.

Born on June 7, 1944, in Kannapolis, NC, to William Franklin Riner, Sr., and Edna Shinn Riner, Dr. Riner's legacy is etched in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He was the beloved husband of Mary Maxwell Plyler Riner, his partner of fifty-two years, and is survived by his niece, Elizabeth Ann Hyatt (Wes Peninger), and three great-nephews, Steven Robinson, William Robinson, and Maxwell Robinson. His absence is mourned not only by family but by a vast community of students, friends, and colleagues who admired and respected him. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his wife's parents, Steve and Lib Plyler.

Before he became Dr. Riner, Bill was affectionately known as "Coach" by his students. After graduating from Appalachian State Teachers College in 1966, he began his career teaching and coaching at Buford High School in Lancaster County.  During his nine year tenure at Buford, Coach Riner's impact on the school and its students was profound, and he laid the foundations for much of the current athletic program.  In addition to teaching Physical Education, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, he was the trainer and coach for the football programs.  He reinstated and coached the track program and started the cross-country team.  Coach Riner also started the wrestling program at Buford and was instrumental in pioneering the high school wrestling programs across the state.   He chartered the first chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Buford and introduced the sport of soccer to his PE classes.  In 2021, he was honored by his induction into the Buford High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dr. Riner went on to receive his Master's degree and Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.  He returned to Lancaster and began teaching at the University of South Carolina at Lancaster.  He was instrumental in the planning and development of the USC-L P.E. Center (now known as the Gregory Family YMCA) and was its first Director.  He was also a full-time professor, teaching Anatomy & Physiology, Statistics, Clinical Nutrition, Nutrition for Health Sciences, Bio-Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry.

Dr. Riner's impact reverberated far beyond the classroom, as he initiated many programs that benefited the health and wellness of this community.  He presented his extensive research on childhood obesity and pediatric exercise at conferences for the American College of Nutrition, the North American Society of Pediatric Exercise Medicine, and the American College of Sports Medicine.  He was a Fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine and is listed in the Marquis record of Who's Who in the World. His visionary initiatives launched crucial programs combating health issues, including the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, the Diabetes Education Center, and the pioneering Physical Therapy Program. For his exceptional contributions, he was honored with the University of South Carolina Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Health and Exercise Science award and received the prestigious Governor's Distinguished Professor Award for two consecutive years.

Beyond academia, Bill cherished a life of adventure, athleticism, and continuous learning. His routine of running seven miles daily, regardless of weather, his love for snow skiing in the North Carolina mountains, and his passion for kayaking in the Carolinas' lakes and streams reflected his zest for life.  His love and appreciation for land and wildlife preservation led him and Mary Maxwell to become among the first to grant a conservation easement to the Katawba Valley Land Trust.

A service to honor Dr. Riner's life will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Bundy Auditorium at USCL, with a reception following.  A private burial will be held at Tabernacle United Methodist Church.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the William F. and Mary P. Riner Endowed Scholarship Fund at USC-Lancaster, PO Box 889, Lancaster, SC 29721, or to Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 5908 Tabernacle Road, Lancaster, SC 29720.

Dr. William F. Riner, Jr., leaves a profound legacy, not just in academia but in the hearts and minds of all who were privileged to know him. His passion, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of excellence will continue to inspire generations to come.