The Baker County Press Baker County's Circulation Leader

Dear Editor:

Every year, it’s the same here in Northeast Florida and I presume, elsewhere in the nation, based on what I see on Petfinder and Facebook.

Hounds. Coming out of the woods, the swamp, the fields. More hounds. Wandering lost on the side of a highway. Still more hounds, wandering up to someone’s yard looking for, and begging for, some bit of food, some scrap of love and attention.

Still more of them, landing in a kill shelter somewhere with virtually zero chance at adoption, and only a slightly better chance at rescue being able to take them on. And more hounds, laying dead on a road or in a ditch, either having starved to death or having been hit by a vehicle,  or shot by someone who didn’t appreciate having their chickens killed, their trash raided or their sensibilities disturbed by a baying, crying, hungry hound.

Far too many people (yes, I know not all, but it seems the vast majority) believe that a coonhound, regardless of the flavor, is no different from a weed eater, a lawn mower, a rake or a shotgun ­— a tool to be used during hunting season and then discarded in a myriad of ways, none with a happy ending, or just ignored (the lucky ones?) until next hunting season.

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Theron Steven William Branch, 23, of Glen St. Mary died on Friday, March 15, 2013 after an extended illness. A lifelong Baker County resident, Theron was a member of Cuyler Baptist Church. He enjoyed traveling, riding in the woods and spending time with his dogs. He was a kind-hearted, dependable young man who loved his family and friends and saw the best in everyone. He was a fighter until the end.

He is survived by parents Steve Branch and Shanna Rhoden, both of Glen St. Mary, “Dad #2” Kevin Rhoden of Glen and “Ma” Grace of Macclenny; grandmothers Margie Clevesy and Alice Hires, both of Macclenny; brother Christopher Rhoden of Glen St. Mary; sisters Stephanie Branch and Eden Branch (Daniel) of Macclenny, Courtney (Kenneth) Hall of St. Augustine and Alexis Branch of Macclenny; girlfriend Kristen Greer of Macclenny; nieces and nephews Kaelynn and Kamden Hill, Cole and Kylee Hall, and Nolan Rhoden; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

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Samual “Tom” DeBruhl, 53, of Middleburg died peacefully on March 15, 2013. He was a native of Ft. Barnwell, NC, graduated from West Craven High School and moved to Florida at the age of 19. He was born to Samuel J. and Fannie Pearl DeBruhl on August 27, 1959. Tom worked for Winn Dixie for 30 years and was the store manager at the Macclenny store for 13 years, During his tenure there, Mr. DeBruhl contributed graciously to many local causes and made many friends and acquaintances.

Mr. DeBruhl’s first passion was bass fishing. He also loved the North Carolina Tarheels and was an avid NASCAR fan who loved to cheer on Kasey Kahne. Tom was surrounded by many wonderful friends who will all miss him dearly.

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Robert C. Graham, 72, of Jacksonville died on Friday, March 15, 2013. A retired maintenance supervisor, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing and spending time with his family. He is survived by sons William (Alicia) Hannah of Jacksonville; daughters Laurie (George) Graham and Lillian (Larry) Giggey of Jacksonville, and Lisa (Greg) Chamberlain of Maryland; brother Charles (MaryJane) Graham of Sanford, FL; devoted nieces Kathy Graham of Glen St. Mary and Lennie Graham of Whitehouse; 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sara Graham; brothers Millard “Buck” Graham, Richard Graham, Curtis Graham, Randolph Graham; sister Betty Rockholt.

A graveside service was held at 11 am on Monday, March 18 at Sellers Cemetery, Jacksonville with Rev. Sean Graham officiating. Forbes Funeral Home of Macclenny is in charge of arrangements.