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

A native of Detroit, Mich., Kranich relocated to Middle Tennessee 13 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 in Lewisburg, Tenn.

A lifelong walking horse enthusiast, this position was the culmination of a dream. Growing up, Kranich's love for the breed developed as he spent summers riding walking horses at his grandparents' farm in McEwen, Tenn. 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 of 17 years, Patricia Uldine Kranich of Cornersville; his mother, Harriet Kranich of Dearborn, Mich.; three daughters, Amanda Kranich of Florida, Jennifer Riegle of Paw Paw, Mich., and Angi Wekony of Chicago, Ill.; a son, Dominic Wekony of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; two brothers, Dennis Kranich of California and Jim Kranich of Kankakee, Ill.; and two grandchildren, Austin and Brandon Riegle.

David Kranich 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. Kranich 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, Kranich 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."

Visitation will be at Bills McGaugh Funeral Home, Lewisburg, Tenn., beginning at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, and until the funeral hour Thursday, July 24. Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday at 11:00 a.m. from the chapel of Bills McGaugh, with interment services at 3:00 p.m. in the McEwen Cemetery in McEwen, Tenn.

An "on line" guest book exists at www.billsmcgaugh.com if you'd like to share your thoughts with David Kranich's friends and family.