Trammell Winston Hobgood

Trammell Winston Hobgood, Jr., 66, died of cancer on June 22, 2014 in Vero Beach, Florida. Winston was born on August 19, 1947 to the late Trammell and Helen Beamer Hobgood of Calhoun, GA. He was a 1965 graduate of Calhoun High School. He earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of West Georgia before moving to Alaska and earning a B.S. in Zoology at the University of Alaska in 1975. He also lived in Europe for three years and took opportunities to travel the world during his life. Never shy of adventure, he began working for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game after graduation, often traveling the frozen wilderness by dog team for research and exploration. In 1984 he earned a Master in Wildlife Biology degree at the University of Alaska. His research focused on the feeding habits of red fox and he was named the recipient of the Spencer Linderman Award for outstanding graduate student. His education, exploration and working knowledge of animal diets – along with a special love for dogs and some racing of his own – led Winston to found Eureka! Raw Meat Pet Food in 1984 to optimize the health and performance of sled dogs. The company’s products continue to be used by the top Iditarod Race teams. After many years in Alaska, he farmed for a period of time in Gordon County near Resaca. Later, and until his illness overtook him, he worked as a biologist in Florida for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service South Florida Ecological Field Office in Vero Beach, concentrating on conservation planning in areas such as the Florida Keys and Everglades. Winston is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Lee Hobgood of Seattle, WA; son, Joel Winston Hobgood of Greenville, SC; and daughter, Olivia Marie Hobgood of Vero Beach, FL; Winston was preceded in death by his father, Trammell Hobgood, Sr. of Calhoun in 1958; his mother, Helen Beamer Hobgood of Calhoun in 1980; and his sister, Diane Hobgood Trammell of Rome, GA in 2014. You may leave the Winston family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com Thomas Funeral Home is making this announcement as a courtesy for family of Mr. Trammell Winston Hobgood.