Some folks never experience the wonders of God’s great outdoors. To have grown up in an environment where a father and grandfather saw the need to pass along the heritage of hunting and fishing is something special. The story below is straight from the heart of such an individual. Those who read the story will be compelled to understand the importance of Bear Branch to its founder and overseer. Rodney Tittle is a visionary who fully understands the importance of carrying on the outdoors traditions he was handed by his father and grandfather. His vision is to not only pass along a family tradition it also includes expanding the outdoors offerings at Bear Branch to those other than immediate family. The members and guests of Bear Branch are considered an extended family in that regard.

“Rodney, wake up!  Someone’s at the door for you.”  Those were the words I heard at 2:30 a.m. on February 10, 1986.  I was in my sophomore year in college and had no idea that this was to be the worst day of my life.

            I started my outdoor life as a three year old following my dad and granddad through the fields and woods of rural Alabama.  Quail, rabbit and squirrel were always on the menu.  No deer were around at that time.  I hunted mostly with my grandfather as dad was a young husband with two young children and worked as much as he could.  Life was about as good as it could be.  As long as I made the grades that I should, I got to hunt and fish as I wanted. Many days my grandfather would follow the school bus to school, let me answer the role call then check me out at 8:10 a.m.   We had several dogs as most folks did but my dad always kept a “bird dog”.  Some were setters, but mostly it was the English pointer.  We’d hunt from opening day until February came and went. 

            I practically lived at my grandparents as we went from winter in the woods to spring on the lake.  I never thought then about all the boys in my class who never went with their dads or granddads.  I played all the sports and my dad never missed a game.  He attended 90% of my practices!  Things went along well until one day at school I was called to the principle’s office.  There I saw my aunt (mother’s sister) and she looked upset. She told me and my sister that our grandfather had passed away during the night.  I remember thinking my aunt was really doing well considering.  Then she said we are going to Mr. Tittles’ house as the family was there.  I fell apart!  It was my Grandpa Tittle!  That was September 10, 1980.  I’ll never forget that day.  We buried my grandfather next to my great grandparents at Boshell cemetery which ironically sits in the middle of Bear Branch! 

            Losing his father really hurt my dad.  He decided to work more so he could possibly see his retirement sooner.  He ran a loader for Drummond Coal Company.  This machine was used to dig and load the coal after the dint was removed by these huge electric excavators called “Draglines”.  He worked in the “pit” right under this huge machine.  It was dangerous work as family and I would find out. 

February 10, 1986 was a cold wet night.  It was sleeting and freezing rain.  My dad had finished his shift and backed his loader to one side of the pit for shift change.  The motor was idling, the bucket on the ground.  Dad had cleaned the inside windows of the cab for the next man.  He then got out of the cab and was cleaning the outside front windshield.  He slipped and fell head first between the arms of the huge bucket striking his head just below the rim of his hard hat.  This hat now sits above the bar in the great room at Bear Branch.  He was 42 years old. 

The person at the door that night was my uncle.  He had been sent to my college to give me the news and follow me home.

I feel like in my heart that Bear Branch was meant to be.  I can’t tell you all of the things that have happened there in 24 months. 

If my father’s death taught me anything it would be to plan for tomorrow but not to forget to live for today because tomorrow’s not guaranteed.