ROCKINGHAM — The life and service of the late John Searcy, a former Rockingham police officer and Richmond County magistrate, will be honored next month at the third annual John B. Searcy Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament.

Proceeds from the tournament will help fund memorial scholarships that are awarded to local graduating high school seniors who are planning to attend Richmond Community College and pursue a degree in a criminal justice field.

With the support of the community and local businesses, five scholarships have been awarded since the memorial scholarship foundation was established two years ago by Searcy’s wife, Sandy.

John Searcy served as a magistrate in Richmond County for 17 years after almost a decade of being a police officer. He also taught in the Extended Day program at Richmond Senior High School — where he graduated from — and played a role in some students overcoming obstacles in order to complete their high school education.

The former magistrate unexpectedly passed away Oct. 2, 2014 due to a heart attack.

“John is loved and missed so much,” Sandy Searcy said last year. “We feel that he deserves to be honored for the life that he lived and this memorial scholarship is a wonderful way to show him honor and help provide college educational opportunities.”

The tournament is scheduled to take place Saturday, May 13, at Scotch Meadows Country Club in Laurinburg.

There’s a captain-choice format and the cost to participate is $50 per person or $200 per team or $50 for an individual. Prizes will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place teams, as well as longest drive and closest to the pin. Also, silent auction items and raffle items will be available.

Last year’s silent auction items included golf packages to two of the top golf courses in Pinehurst, a barbeque-grill package, concealed weapons, firearms package and more.

Those organizing the tournament are accepting team registrations, cash hole sponsors and donations of door prizes and silent auction items. To register or donate, contact committee representative Jason Grant at 910-995-2229 or Pete Swails at 910-206-1519.

“His family and friends continue to honor the legacy he created by awarding scholarships to deserving students in his memory. Through these scholarships, John continues to encourage students to set their goals high, never settle for less and push to make their dreams a reality,” Sandy Searcy said. “His giving nature continues on as this scholarship foundation gives back to the community that John loved and served in his memory.”

Reach sports editor Leon Hargrove Jr. at 910-817-2673 and follow the sports section on Twitter @RCDailySports.

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By Leon Hargrove Jr.

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