Active

Virgil Meares - On December 6, 2007 the Oconee Bowling Association recognized Virgil Meares as its newest Life Member. Virgil has managed Oconee Lanes for the last 18 years. He organized the youth program in 1969 and in 2004 was inducted into the State YABA Hall of fame for his work as an organizer, director and coach. Virgil has not only worked with the youth, but with anyone who asked for help or advice. On league nights, Virgil can always be found helping bowlers. He often works on other bowler’s equipment while bowling leagues. The bowlers at Oconee Lanes have benefited greatly from Virgil’s tireless work. It is with great pleasure and honor that we add the name of Virgil Meares to our list of Life Members. Virgil, thank you, good luck and good bowling.

Jerry George - Jerry George began bowling in the early 70’s at Oconee Lanes. With the exception of a couple of years in the early 80’s He moved to Florida he has been a member for more than 35 years. Jerry has several honor score to his credit, consisting of 300, 299, and 11-in a- row games. He has bowled at one time or the other in every league at Oconee Lanes and the TCBA Travel league. At one time he had record of his bowling career and could tell you his lifetime average and many other facts. Jerry has served as league officer and as director on the Seneca Bowling Association Board. Due to period of declining health Jerry had to cut back on the amount of time he devoted to the sport he loves for a couple of years. His health has improved and he is back bowling on a regular basis.

Ralph Nix - Ralph began bowling 39 years ago and has bowled every year except for two years.  During his bowling career, Ralph served the local association as a member of the board of directors.  He also has served as a league president, vice-president and awards chairman.  He currently is serving as the vice-president of the Queen City League.  He has participated is the city tournament every year of his career and twice captured the doubles title along with an all-events title.  In addition the Queen City league, Ralph has also participated in the Monday Night Church League.  Ralph has two current members of Ralph’s Trophy in the Queen City that have bowled with him for the last 23 years, Danny Lee and Gary Kesack. 

Bud Lyle - Bud has been bowling for over 35 years. He started out on the Monday Night Industrial League and bowled several years on the Men's traveling league (TCBA). Bud's highest game bowled was a 279 game and his highest series was 711. He has coached and helped the Jr. Bowlers for many years and also served as a Director on the Board for several years. Bud said the most prestigious awards he has received when bowling was for Sportsmanship and the Director of the Year Award. Bud says the greatest accomplishments in his bowling career are "the many friends I've made and being selected as a life time member of the Association".

Leon Terry - Leon has been bowling for over forty years as a member of the Seneca Bowling Association and now as a member of the Oconee USBC BA.  During his bowling career, Leon has been a member of the Queen City and Tuesday Industrial Leagues and currently participates in the Wednesday Mixed League.

Leonard Bacon - Leonard came to South Carolina in the early 70’s with Sangamo-Weston as an engineer. He began to bowl at Oconee Lanes and immediately became a favorite member of the bowling family here. Len has served as league officer and also served as a director on the Seneca BA Board for several years. Len suffered a period of declining health but has rebounded and is still an active bowler.

Inactive and Deceased

Robert L. “Bob” Washnok (Deceased) - Mr. Washnok was a native of North Dakota. He served in the US Army and obtained the rank of Lt Colonel and at the time of His retirement He was part of the ROTC at Clemson University. Bob served as league officer in all offices of several leagues. He was instrumental in organizing the original Queen City League and served as Secretary of this league for many years. This league is still running. Bob was elected secretary of Seneca Bowling Association about 1973 and He served in this capacity until 1983. He stepped down due to failing health. Bob passed away about 1986.

Guy Brock (Inactive) - Mr. Brock is one of the founding members of Seneca Bowling Association. He served as officer in several leagues and bowled many years. He bowled until about 1988 when due to poor health He had to stop. Guy was associated with Brock’s Body Shop for many years.

Tommy Franks (Inactive) - Tommy was also one of members who was around at the start up of Seneca bowling Association. He has served as officer in several leagues and association offices. At the time of Tommy's election to life member he held seniority for active bowlers in SBA. Tommy’s health is not great and He had to give up bowling. He still lives at Friendship and is active in his backyard body shop. He worked for Brock’s Body Shop for many years and bowled on their team.