ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.-The Maryland Birdies Golf Club dedicated a bench in memory of the eight members who have passed away since the golf club was established in 2000.

The ceremony was held on APG’s Ruggles Golf Course Oct. 18. The memorial bench is located near the 10th hole tee.

The bench was dedicated to “Fallen Birdies” Robert Ezell, Samuel Gilliam, Eugene Chandler, James Burks, Grafton Sconion, James Bennett, Pearlis Finney and Milton Leigh.

Four were military veterans; Chandler, Sconion, Leigh and Gilliam. Leigh, who most recently passed away, was a local World War II veteran.

“Ruggles was selected because it is considered our home golf course,” said Vice President of the Maryland Birdies Golf Club, Derrick Bryant. The club currently has 33 paid members.

During the dedication ceremony, PGA Professional Dave Correll said he has served at Ruggles Golf Course for 18 years, longer than any other golf professional in Ruggles history. With emotion in his voice, he said he appreciates the support of the Maryland Birdies and is “sad to see” the members who have passed.

“Through COVID, the Birdies had the biggest smiles,” he said. “Every Tuesday, I look forward to seeing them.”

‘More than just golf’

Bryant said he has been part of the Maryland Birdies for 13 years. He said family members of the Maryland Birdies often get involved with the club and learn more about golf by association. They also participate in giving back to the Boys and Girls Club, their chosen charity.

“The Maryland Birdies are about more than just golf,” he said.

Tribute to family members 

Family members of the Maryland Birdies were recognized with tokens of appreciation and were given the opportunity to speak during the dedication.

Maryland Birdies Golf Club members Derrick Bryant, former president and current vice president, Clarence White, former president, Kirk Perez, current president, Edgar Collins, former president and oldest living Maryland Birdies member at age 92, and Mansfield Spicer, former vice president unveil a memorial bench at Ruggles Golf Course Oct. 18.

Kira Sconion, the daughter of Grafton Sconion, said her father was “the best.” She added she is grateful to the Maryland Birdies for “putting a smile on his face while he was here on Earth.” Grafton served in the Navy and in the Army.

“He was truly just a good human,” she said. “He loved to golf and this dedication reminds me that he is still very much here with us.”

Kira added her father also appreciated the opportunity to give back to the local community with the Maryland Birdies.

“This is an amazing tribute,” she said about the ceremony and the memorial bench.

Dewayne Bennett, the son of James Bennett said he always admired his father’s athleticism and heard stories about his achievements from family members.

“I know he is looking down on us, smiling,” he said. “This is truly a blessed day,” he said.

For more photos, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/51607069172/in/album-72157720054996903