The memory of North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper Randy Ward was alive and well Wednesday afternoon during the 10th annual North Carolina State Highway Patrol Golf Tournament held at Coharie Country Club.

Ward, who passed away in 1998 after contracting a rare blood disorder, was just 39 years old at the time of his death. He left behind a wife and two children.

Hundreds of friends and colleagues came out to support a scholarship fund set up in Ward’s name on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon. And despite the hot, sometimes humid temperatures, everyone had a good time.

Tina Byrd from the Patrol’s Sampson County office, said that the Randy Ward Scholarship is now fully endowed. “...Which means it will be there forever,” she said. “It rewards two $750 scholarships each year for two students who attend Sampson Community College.”

With the continued success of the tournament over the years, tournament officials were able to implement a second scholarship.

“We started the second scholarship up last year,” said Byrd. “And it’s called the Sampson County Trooper’s Scholarship.”

The Sampson County Trooper’s Scholarship awards a total of $5,000. “It is broken down $1,000 per high school in the county,” said Byrd.

The tournament was a 4-man superball format that kicked off with an 8 a.m. tee time. The winners of the match were the team of J.W. Vinson, Palmer Smith, Chad Smith and Bob Miller with a score of 55.

Placing second was Alan Parham, Steve Everette, Jeff Woolard and Brad Jones, with a score of 57; and third place went to Dwight Spell, Brian Lane, Ashley Odum and Jimmy Corbett with a score of 57. With a 59, fourth place went to Donnie Lamm, Jay Darden, Tommy Newton and Mac Herring.

“This tournament has two separate benefits,” said Byrd. “We do the $1,000 per high school that comes strictly from hole sponsorships ... and that is used for the schools. The players pay the fee to play and that money goes to the golf, the food and any other expenses — the net proceeds from that goes to shopping for needy kids during the holidays — we don’t keep any of it, it all goes back into the community.”

The event had a morning tournament and an afternoon tournament with a hearty luncheon and awards ceremony breaking up the two.

“I think it is a wonderful tournament for the kids,” said Trooper David Kidd.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.