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Ford finally gets elusive 800 series
MelvinFord2
Melvin Ford of Hinesville succeeded in bowling an 800 series his first in 50 years of playing the sport. - photo by Photo provided.

Melvin Ford of Hinesville succeeded in bowling an 800 series — his first in 50 years of playing the sport.

Ford hit this accomplishment Oct. 24 while bowling in the Georgia State Seniors Single and Doubles Tournament in Milledgeville.
His scores were 280, 267 and 254, equaling an 801 series.

Ford said hitting the 800 series eluded him three times in the past two years. He said he has bowled 790 and 795 twice before.
In October 2012, Ford bowled a perfect 300 at Marne Lanes on Fort Stewart.

Ford is a Vietnam War veteran. While stationed at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, he bought his first bowling ball in 1970.
That bowling ball, which he still has, has gone with him around the world.

While assigned to Izmir, Turkey, Ford bowled in the Mediterranean Sports Conference tournament and finished second in all events. He also bowled for a travel league while stationed in Germany, and in 1986, he won the South Eastern Task Force championship.

He was assigned to Fort Stewart in 1978, taking up residence in Hinesville and retiring from the service in 1989. After a health scare in 1993, Ford quit bowling for eight years.

His daughter convinced him to take up the sport again in 2001 and within three years was able to turn pro.
Ford will receive a ring for his accomplishment from the United States Bowling Congress.

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