By Associated Press - Wednesday, February 19, 2014

DALLAS, N.C. (AP) - The owner of a Gaston County golf course has died after he was struck by a tree limb.

Officials said 63-year-old Joe Herman Ratchford died after he was struck on the Apple Creek golf course in Dallas.

Officials said a tree had fallen and Ratchford was working to remove it when part of it hit him in the head.



The investigation is continuing.

Copyright © 2026 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.