Annual ‘Big Steve’ Memorial Dice Run set for Saturday

LEESBURG — Riders from throughout the region, regardless of their mode of transportation, are invited to gather on Saturday for the 4th annual “Big Steve” Memorial Dice Run to raise funds for armed forces and military veteran causes.

The ride is held in memory of Marine Lance Cpl. Steve Sutton, who was killed during a combat operation in Afghanistan in May 2012.

The ride is held each year on the second Saturday in June to commemorate the date of Sutton’s burial. It will start in downtown Leesburg in front of the Steven “Big Steve” Sutton Memorial located in front of the Lee County Courthouse at 100 Leslie Highway, at 10 a.m.

At the end of the ride, at the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars post at 315 Philema Road, at around 1:30 p.m., participants will enjoy fellowship, food, music, a 50/50 drawing, a silent auction and a cornhole tournament.

Gene Sutton, the late Marine’s father, said he misses his son dearly. The annual ride helps to keep his son’s name out there, but also contributes to a good cause — which motivates him to make contacts throughout the area seeking donations, both in the form of cash and items for the silent auction.

Furniture stores and other Albany- and Leesburg-area businesses have been eager to do what they can. Wherever Sutton has stopped, someone has given something, he said. He has even been stopped at the grocery store by people wanting to give.

Such support has allowed for an ottoman, a gun case and a freezer to be among the auction items supporters can expect to see this year.

“I can’t believe the support,” Sutton said.

Riders participating in the event will depart from Leesburg and travel a predetermined route before finishing at the VFW, where American Legion Post 30 is expected to assist in getting American flags set up.

Along the route, riders will make five stops and roll dice to build a hand that will be played at the end of the ride. The rider with the best roll will win $100, and the rider with the worst roll will win $50.

The dice rolls show the generosity of the riders, who, Sutton said, are usually the most supportive.

“The bikers don’t often keep the money,” he said. “They often give it back.”

T-shirts will also be sold at the event to raise funds. More than 100 bikers are expected to participate this year, Sutton said.

Among the riders will be Paul Murray, who is a part of the Independent Harley Rider Association, American Legion Riders and the Patriot Guard. He is a Vietnam War vet and is also a member of the VFW, of which he is a past commander.

As a veteran and someone who has known the Sutton family for a long time, and has even taken part in coordinating the dice run, Murray is encouraged by the amount of support the community — which now has a military presence primarily through Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany — has given. He said such support is much different than what he got home after his service.

“(Service members) are more appreciated, and events like this keep it going,” Murray said. “This is not just for Gene (and Steve), but for all those who have served, and especially those who have died.

“I just hope it’s good weather because we’ve been lucky. Even if it’s not good weather, I’m sure it will still be a good turnout. It is one of the things we look forward to every year and participate in.”

“Big Steve” was well-known for a number of reasons, among them his tall stature and his time playing football for Lee County High School. He was a low-key individual, his father said.

“He would say we are making too big of a fuss,” Sutton said of what he would expect his son to say about the dice run. “He lived life to the fullest, but would think we are making too big of a deal.”

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and will cost $15, plus $5 for each rider. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Lance Cpl. Steve G. Sutton Memorial Fund to support the wounded and fallen of the armed forces, Purple Heart Outdoor Tour and West Georgia Long Beards.

“We should never forget our fallen soldiers or fallen heroes,” Sutton said.

Sutton said he tries to give out $7,000 from the dice run. If more comes out of the event, he said he will seek other organizations to give it to. He typically gives $1,000 to Lee County Middle School for its efforts to send packages to American troops overseas, and he contributes to the Field of Crosses and Field of Flags effort coordinated by Albany area veterans groups.

His son is among the 146 men honored through the Field of Crosses.

Firefighters from New York are among the groups that have heard about the Sutton family and may be represented at the ride, Sutton said.

For more information, call (229) 894-0598.