Donald E Player

Donald Eugene Player (Don), age 81, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025. Born February 24, 1943 in Chester, South Carolina, Don was the son of the late William Eugene Player (Ted) and Doris Wyolene Cranford. 

After graduating from Chester High School, Don married Janet Carol Reid and moved to Columbia. He attended the University of South Carolina and then began a lifetime career at Southern Bell (AT&T), from where he retired in 2000.

Don exemplified a patriarch: loving, nurturing, grounded, and balanced. He valued quality time spent with family, and he adored being a grandfather. He is survived by his brother, William Alan (Bill) Player; his daughter, Denise Elisabeth Player; his two grandchildren, Abigail Elisabeth and Caroline Leigh Pearman; and his five great-grandchildren, Harper Grace Pearman, Skyla Blake Palma, Stella Rose Palma, Layla Joy Palma, and Margot Beth Palma. 

A private celebration of life service will be held later in the year for the family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Don Player may be made to the Alzheimer's Association using this link. Your thoughtfulness is sincerely appreciated.