Deacon James Lee Player

Deacon James Lee Player began his earthly life on November 5, 1925 in Sycamore, Alabama to the parents of George Estelle and Leora Cook Player.  Deacon Player joined his parents, grandparents, wife, Mary Emma Player, daughter, Sylvia Hale, daughter in law, Flois Player, siblings, Richard Player, Eddie Player, Hugie Player, Mary Phillips, Frances Barber, Eva Lou Sheppard, George Estelle, Jr., Terry Estelle, William Estelle, Jerome Estelle, Eugene Estelle, John D. Estelle, and Essie Mae Lawler in his heavenly transition on July 7, 2023.

Deacon Player accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and united with Mountain Home Baptist Church, Sycamore, Alabama. He was a faithful and dedicated member and was ordained as a Deacon. He worked in the ministry as a Sunday School Teacher, sang in the Mountain Home Choir, and was the Church Clerk.  With a serving heart, led him to serve as Treasure of the Mt. Carmel District Association.  He also served as the first school trustee of R.R. Moton High School.  

Deacon Player enlisted in the United States Navy on January 29, 1944, and served this country as a Seaman First Class, until he received his Honorable Discharge on January 8, 1946.

Deacon Player was a very professional skilled brick mason.  He took pride in every brick he laid.  He had the opportunity to brick Mountain Home Baptist Church, Sycamore Methodist Church, Sycamore Baptist Church and several homes near and far.

Along Deacon Player’s life’s journey he met and fell in love with his soulmate of 75 blessed years and united in holy matrimony to Mrs. Mary Emma Player. This union was blessed with five children.

His love will forever be cherished by his loving sons, James (JL) Player, Sr. of Sycamore, AL, Freddie Player of Harrisburg, PA; loving daughters, Sharon (Alex) Lawson, and Teresa (Rev. Robert) Gaddis both of Sycamore, AL; son in law, Victor Hale of Sycamore, AL; brothers, Deloris (Marilyn) Player of Tuskegee, AL, Phillip (Angela) Estelle of Talladega, AL, and Charles (Irene) Estelle, Sr. of Jackson, MI; sister, Ada M. Estelle of Jackson, MI; brother in law, Charles Barber, Sr. of Sycamore, AL; sister in law, Marie Player of Talladega, AL; twelve grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, seventeen great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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