Gary L. Player

Obituary For Gary L. Player

Mr. Gary L. Player, 69, of Seale, AL passed Sunday, October 16, 2022 in Columbus, GA.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. EST (10:00 a.m. CST) Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Greater New Life Church International, Tuskegee, AL with Pastor Elizabeth Clausell, officiating. Visitation is Friday, October 21, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. EST.

Gary Louis Player was born May 29, 1953 in Sycamore, (Talladega County) Alabama to Richard and Pearlie Bell Player. He was the second of five children. Two, of which preceded him in death.

Mr. Player attended Winterboro High School, where he was a standout football player, graduating in 1971. Upon graduation he enrolled in Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts. While in college he was a member of the Golden Tigers football and baseball teams and pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

He accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at Mountain Home Baptist Church in Sycamore, AL. He attended Mount Zion Baptist Church in Cartersville, GA where he served on the Deacon Board. In 2001, he joined Greater New Life Church International, Inc in Tuskegee, AL; where he served as a Deacon and valuable member of the church fellowship dinner committee. He rendered his services gracefully happy to be of service to the Lord.

“Life is Beautiful” was Gary’s mantra. You often heard that statement several times during your conversations with him. As a matter of fact, his mantra was the greeting you received upon calling the house. Fondly, the family appreciated the kindness of Gary toward his father-in-law, Amos McCoy. He would check on him each morning before work and each afternoon after returning from work. Many times, Gary assisted his ailing father-in-law with putting on his pressure stockings. McCoy family reunions was an enjoyable time for Gary; he worked like a trooper to assist wherever needed.

Gary was employed by the Cartersville City School System as a shop instructor and coached a winning basketball team. He is respectfully remembered by his students as a strong mentor who emphasized hard work, team work, and how to become champions. He also worked for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice in Cartersville, Georgia.

After marriage, in 2001, he transferred to the Office of Juvenile Justice in Columbus, Georgia where he served as a juvenile probation officer/gang specialist. Due to failing health, he retired in 2012.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son, L. Armand Player.

Left to cherish his memories is his loving wife of 21 years, Carolyn; three children, Tonia L. (Carlos) Grace of Birmingham, AL, Carmen D. (Leigh) Player of Washington, DC and Victor B. Player of Dallas, GA; two grandchildren, SaDarria and Evan; two daughters-in-law; Sabrina Player, Atlanta, GA and Angelline Daniel, Midland, GA; two sisters, Cathy Pope, Sylacauga, AL and Tina Leonard, Childersburg, AL; two uncles, James L. Player, Sycamore, AL and Deloris (Marilyn) Player, Tuskegee, AL; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Whiteside, Talladega, AL and Janett M. Phillips, Tuskegee, AL; one brother-in-law, Luther C. (Robrina) McCoy, St. Johns, Florida; two special friends that he loved as brothers, Victor Morgan, Cartersville, GA and Peter Spears, Montgomery, AL. and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.