David Kranich

David Neal Kranich, 53, of Cornersville, Tennessee passed away Saturday, July 19th, 2003. At the time of his death, David was on a late afternoon trail ride near his farm with two faithful companions, his mule, Levi, and dog, Molly.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, David relocated to middle Tennessee thirteen years ago to become advertising director for the Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse magazine, published by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association, Lewisburg, TN.

A lifelong walking horse enthusiast, this position was the culmination of a dream. Growing up, David's love for the breed developed as he spent summers riding walking horses at his grandparents' farm in McEwen, Tennessee. He seemed to know, even then, where his future lay. As an adult he pursued his passion for the breed as an owner, trainer, farrier, judge and, finally, through his position at the magazine.

He is survived by his wife: Patricia Uldine Kranich of Cornersville; his mother: Harriet Kranich of Dearborn, MI; three daughters: Jennifer Riegle of Paw Paw, MI, Amanda Kranich of Florida, and Angi Wekony of Chicago, IL; a son: Dominic Wekony of Murfreesboro, TN; two brothers: Dennis Kranich of CA, and Jim Kranich of Kankakee, IL; and two grandchildren; Austin & Brandon Riegle of Michigan.

David was an unbelievably gracious and generous man who loved life and had a passion for living. A practicing Christian, he believed everything in life was in preparation for our eternal home. David was a much loved member of the Greater First Baptist Church of Lewisburg and a charter member of the Fellowship of Christian Horse Lovers.

A man of many talents and a salesman never at a loss for words, David enjoyed photography, videography, singing and playing the guitar, in addition to a particular passion for shoeing and riding his trail mounts. His greatest pleasure, however, seemed to come from fellowship with his many friends. He seemed to always have just the right words of comfort, sympathy or encouragement for those around him. His friends knew him well: 'A rarity in today's world - a person who saw only the best, believed only the best and hoped for only the best.' 'A true southern gentleman' who 'had a unique gift of making everyone feel like his personal friend.'

The family will be at Bills McGaugh Funeral Home after 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 23rd, and until the funeral hour Thursday, July 24th for visitation. Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday at 11:00 a.m. from the chapel of Bills McGaugh Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Herbert Johnson. Interment services will follow at 3:00 p.m. Thursday in the McEwen Cemetery in McEwen, Tennessee.

Bills McGaugh Funeral Home and the United States Forest Service have provided for the planting of a tree in Davids memory.