Paul V Player

Mr. Paul V. Player, 85, of Americus, passed away Wednesday evening, June 1, 2011, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 5, 2011, at 2:00 PM at Central Baptist Church. Rev. Hugh DeLoach officiated. There was an hour's visitation at the church immediately following the service. Entombment was private. Friends called at other times at the family residence, 316 Pecan Drive, Americus. Mr. Player was born November 23, 1925 in Andrews, SC, son of the late Paul Silas Player and Kate Halesden Player. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, a long-time Mason, a President of the Civitan Club of Americus and a Lt. Governor of Civitan Club International. He enjoyed bird watching, especially his beloved blue birds. They consistently return home to nest, in the house he always maintained for them. He never lost his love and passion for flying, although he retired his airplane many years ago. In recent years, he was given a gift of rekindling that passion, from a dear family friend and passionate flyer himself, Paul Hunter. For that, he was always thankful. Mr. Player's many years of employment were always service based: Georgia State Patrolman, Traffic Manager for Manette Manufactured Homes, and a local vendor of Lance Snack Foods. Bored with retirement, he became the Public Transportation Manager for the City of Americus. His final, and most rewarding, occupation, was as Cemetery Clerk for the City of Americus. He truly enjoyed aiding family members with the location of a loved one's final resting place. Survivors include his wife, Amelia Player, of Americus; children, Randy Player of Wedowee, AL, Holly Belcher of Americus, Paula Chappell & her husband Frank of Thonotosassa, FL, Christel Hardwick of Tucson, AZ, and Lisa Maurer & her husband Lee of Montgomery, AL; 5 sisters, Doris Goodin of Americus, Deloris Mitchell & her husband Jerry of Orlando, FL, Martha Johnson & her husband George of Americus, Helen Sage of Vancouver, WA, and Ollie Toporcer & her husband Joe of Youngstown, OH; 1 brother, Edgar Player & his wife Opal of Americus; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Richard Player & Donald Player, both of Americus. For those desiring to make memorial contributions in Mr. Player's memory, the family suggests you do so to Magnolia Manor Nursing Center, 2001 S. Lee St., Americus, GA 31709 or to Phoebe Sumter Hospice, 1048 E. Forsyth St., Americus, GA 31709. To pay your online condolences, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is in charge of arrangements.