B.C. Douglas Has Gone Away
- Details
- Vicki Reeves, Jt-MFH
Courtesy South Creek FoxhoundsWith the passing of Billy (B.C.) Douglas on July 28, 2014, South Creek Foxhounds of Tampa, Florida lost its original Professional Huntsman. In 1965, Mr. Robert Thomas started Two Rivers Hunt, Florida’s longest running fox hunt with the purchase of several tough, experienced horses from Ben Hardaway of Columbus, Georgia. Mr. Thomas secured several hounds from the Deep Run Hunt in Virginia and in an inspired move, purchased a couple of Irish foxhounds and shipped them air fright to Zephyrhills for their new lives in Southern Florida.
Foxhunting then began at the Thomas’s beautiful Two Rivers Ranch under the watchful eye of Douglas. B.C. Douglas was well known as a top night hunter and field trial judge throughout the State of Florida and Georgia. B.C. was not only a good Huntsman, but a successful breeder of foxhounds and enjoyed every aspect of the outdoors. In 1989, B.C. handed the hunting horn to his son, Robert Douglas, who continues as the Professional Huntsman today. In 1995, the name of the club was changed to South Creek Foxhounds. B.C. was 83 at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Peggy, and his sons Robert and Randy as well as two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.