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47-year-old Garner man found dead near North Carolina-Virginia border

The body of a missing Garner man was found Wednesday at an abandoned building near Lake Gaston, according to the Mecklenburg County, Va. Sheriff's Office.

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MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VA. — The body of a missing Garner man was found Wednesday at an abandoned building near Lake Gaston, according to the Mecklenburg County, Va. Sheriff's Office.

Thomas Earl Finch, 47, was reported missing earlier this month and was last seen June 16 in Bracey, Va. officials said.

Finch's body has been sent to a medical examiner's office to determine a cause of death.

Finch, who was affectionately known as Tommy to many, loved animals and spent more than six years working working at the Tar River Veterinary Hospital in Franklinton,family members said.

His niece, Hailee Finch, said her uncle would often call the animals his children.

Dr. Elyse Goldman, who worked at the animal hospital, said Finch was gentle and good with the animals.

Finch lived in Garner until January. The last time anyone in Garner saw him was earlier this month, when he came by to pick up his things.

Another friend, who saw Finch a week ago, said he was relaxed, talkative and in good spirits.

Finch's death remains under investigation.

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