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Thomas Adden Player

1940 - 2024

BORN

1940

DIED

2024

About

Furman University University of Virginia

Thomas Player Obituary

Thomas Adden Player

February 4, 1940 - January 8, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia - Born in Orangeburg, SC, Thomas Adden Player, Jr. was known to many by many different names. Tommy, Animal, Frog, Capt. Player, TAP Attorney at Law, Dad, Pappy, no matter what you called him the response was likely to be the same: a hearty greeting and a big hug. He passed away on January 9 at the age of 83.

He attended Furman University where he was student body president, lettered in football, and even managed to join the cheerleading squad with his partner-in-crime Don Sentell. Having majored in Russian History, he made the somewhat surprising move to attend Law School at the University of Virginia and from there served as a Captain in Army Intelligence in Korea.

He moved to Atlanta in the 60s where he established a successful legal practice with his law school friend Ned Neely, although his greatest accomplishment at this time was meeting and marrying the love of his life, Sandra Williams. For 46 years they never left each other's sides. Along with Sandra, he is remembered by his surviving children, Jake Player (Jill), Brett Player (Caroline), Greg Player (Jennifer), Cannon Sayers (Gary), Bailey Player (Amber) along with his grandchildren Josh, Grey, and Beau (Jake), Emily and Kate (Greg), and Frankie and Trey (Cannon). Although none of these perhaps received quite the attention as his dogs, the surviving being Hope and Zelda.

Winding up his legal career at Morris, Manning, and Martin, Tom ventured upon a second career as a sculptor, one that proved equally as successful as is evidenced by pieces that remain on display at Furman University, UVA, Grace Church Cathedral, and the Booth Western Museum. Energetic all the way to the end of his life, he was also an avid traveler and fisherman and maintained a standing appointment with his Tuesday golf group at the Ansley Country Club. Nothing perhaps tested his stamina and patience more though than being the Ace of a ragtag group known simply as the Atlanta Breakfast Club.

A service will be held at Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston on February 3 with a celebration of life to follow in Atlanta at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Tom's favorite charity, Camp Sunshine. If you would like to further honor him, please go check out one of his sculptures. Tom would have liked that.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State on Jan. 14, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Player

37 Entries

Andy Ward

June 25, 2024

A lot of fond memories of Tom and Sandra both when they summered in my neighborhood on Sullivan´s Island back in the 90´s. Deepest sympathy to Sandra and the entire family. RIP dear Tom. The island boy.

Marie Ferenchak

May 2, 2024

My husband, Bill Ferenchak, served in Army Intelligence in Korea with Tom . Bill was ill and I sent Tom an email. I heard back from Tom right away--he was going to call Bill after Christmas. Bill died in March. TWo great guys are gone.

Ray and Debbie Love

January 28, 2024

Sandra, Ray and I are very sorry to hear of Tom´s passing. May the love of your family bring comfort during this sad time.
Ray and Debbie Love

Tom Carswell

January 22, 2024

It was a pleasure to know Tom. My interactions were through his insurance law practice, where he was a strong advocate for his clients before the Office of Commissioner of Insurance. Rest in Peace, Tom.
Thomas F. Carswell

Don Nichols

January 22, 2024

Tom was truly a one of a kind person with a strong spiritual connection to the Lord. His legacy will always be on display with his donated bronze sculptures at the Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston. Many of us in our Ansley Tuesday golf group were lucky to have Tom lead us on a tour of this collection a few years back and it was evident how proud he was of his contribution. He was his usual jovial self at our group's year end gathering and later at a holiday season gathering at the Club in December so quite a surprise to learn of his early passing. He has left us with many warm memories. Our condolences to his wife Sandra and his family.

Joe Cregan

January 22, 2024

Tom was a truly great man and had a positive influence on virtually everyone he came in contact with -- including me.

Condolences to Sandra and the Player family. God Bless.

Tim and Sara Campbell

January 18, 2024

Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father, husband to Sandra, and dear friend to many. Tom was certainly one of a kind who excelled at many things but mainly being a true human being as he lived his life. I was fortunate enough to have worked with Tom on legislative and regulatory issues in Georgia for several years prior to his retirement from his law practice. Tom will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Janine Lattimore

January 18, 2024

Lucky me... because I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Tom Player at both Neely & Player in the '80's AND later, Morris, Manning & Martin. Always a gentleman, always cordial, and always greeted with a smile, a kind word, and a good chat. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones on the loss of this great gentleman.

Julie Cooke

January 18, 2024

I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of our kind, quick witted and talented friend Tom. I am so very sorry I missed seeing him on his recent visit to Sullivan´s. Tom and Sandra have been supporters of our galleries since the very beginning and we are always so happy to see their faces walk in the door. Tom´s genuine gentlemanly nature , his sense of humor and exceptional talent as a sculptor made him a joy to represent as an artist and an even greater joy to have as a friend.

Memories of Tom will always be filled with his infectious laughter and the remarkable sculptures he created. My sincere condolences to Sandra and his extended family.

Julie Cooke

Douglas Healy

January 16, 2024

Tom was an iconic and enthusiastic member of our Ansley Tuesday Afternoon Golf group. We have played together for over 20 years and Tom has been a great partner and generous host to us on golf trips to Charleston and Highlands many times. We have a tradition of joke telling for which Tom was held in great esteem, not so much for the quantity of his jokes, but more the quality. His masterpiece, which he was often called to repeat, was a classic that took 5 minutes to tell and required a flawless British accent to make it work. The punch line "he's talking about Mother" will always be remembered. Tom was also the only member of our group to meet the qualifications for a full waiver of his $30 dues; (i) he was over 80 years old, (ii) carried a handicap of over 20 and (iii) had sold a piece of art for more than it cost to make. He was a wonderful friend and will be greatly missed by our little group.

Brooks and Nancy Cowles

January 15, 2024

I will miss Tom as a neighbor in Highlands, ATAG golf partner and opponent, fellow recovering attorney and great storyteller. It´s hard to imagine a better person to spend time with. Best wishes to the Player family, Brooks and Nancy Cowles

Robert Parnell

January 15, 2024

Thank you for your service to our Country.

Hattee Ziegler Christian

January 14, 2024

Such sad news. I knew Tommy in Orangeburg - the nicest guy ever. I last saw him at UVA at a party. We danced the UT and I didn't really know how to do it but he did and he led me right along so that we looked good!

Linda Forrester Dahl

January 14, 2024

Such a difficult loss of a Renaissance man, so many talents and gifts and such a sad loss for his dear family and many, many friends. Praying God would give you peace and comfort, knowing
He is in the presence of his God and his Savior Jesus Christ.

Terri Thornton

January 14, 2024

It was an honor to do PR for Tom at MMM, where he pioneered cyber insurance and terrorism insurance. I was in his office Sept. 11, 2001 and will always remember that while running through the building trying to find a TV, he was truly concerned about how I was doing. It was such a touching and unexpected show of empathy and protectiveness even though we were in the exact same situation. I was honored that he asked me to do PR again when he launched his career as a sculptor; I was so excited to stumble upon his triptych at the Booth Western Museum last year. You leave a lasting legacy, Tom, in the world and in our hearts.

Elisabeth StJohn

January 13, 2024

It's been many years since we knew one another on a daily basis, but I am so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you all, Sandra. Much love, Elisabeth Harman St. John

Sally Gladden

January 13, 2024

Many early Orangeburg, SC memories through my family Sarah Gladden

Lew Hassett

January 13, 2024

I owe my legal career to Tom. I joined Neely & Player in 1991, and within a couple of years we were working together. I joined Tom at Morris, Manning and Martin in 1995, where we stayed until our respective retirements.
Tom didn´t show me just how to be a better lawyer. He showed me how to be a better person.
Rest in peace, Tom.

Neil Sherman

January 12, 2024

I worked at Neely and Player (then Neely, Neely & Player) from 1978 - 1983 (first as a summer "runner", then summer intern, and then associate upon graduating from Emory in 1980). Tom was such an important senior statesman, strategist, seasoned practitioner, and leader, but most importantly at the firm, a mentor to all of the young attorneys, someone to look up to, someone to learn from and emulate. Caring, humorous, unique, intelligent, practical, hard-working, fun, interesting, worldly, wise, warm and approachable are only a few of the many ways to describe Tom. What a benefit to have had Tom be such an inspirational part of my early professional life. 40+ years later and many career- and life-steps since then, I look back with gratitude and respect. My condolences to the entire family.

Tina Flynn

January 12, 2024

So sorry to hear of Mr.Players passing. What a beautiful life. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and loved ones.

Angela Ables

January 11, 2024

Tom and I were charter members if the Federation of Regulatory Counsel, a group of lawyers specializing in insurance regulatory law. We shared clients and I knew when I sent a client to Tom he would take care of them. Just a tremendous lawyer and wonderful human being.

Steve Najjar

January 11, 2024

I began practicing law under Tom at Neely & Player. I quickly learned how to tie a bow tie! He was a wonderful lawyer, and an even better teacher, advisor, and friend. Intelligent and humorous, thoughtful and caring, Tom helped shape my character on which the foundation of my practice and career stands today. I am forever grateful for his influence in my life.

Marsha Durlin

January 11, 2024

Love and condolences to Bailey and the family from Bill and Marsha Durlin

Robyn DeRosa Hester

January 11, 2024

I was probably 13 when Tom asked me to babysit the 3 boys. Jake, Brett, and Greg. He was such a great Dad. Always doing something creative with the boys, such as using a flip chart that he had drawn on, to engage them. For instance, pictures of different emotions that they could relate to. One of my most favorite memories was Tom excited about going out with someone named Sandra and he wanted me to meet her, to see what I thought. I am not sure what my dating skills were at that time, as I didnt even hold a license. Surprisingly, though, he wanted my opinion. So cool for a teenager to be thought of that way. He was SO Excited! When he brought her to the house later that night, of course I LOVED Sandra!!! I later met and completely adored Cannon! And later Bailey too! Tom, will always hold a special place in my life as well as all of the family. I know he will be GREATLY missed. He created so many wonderful memories with so many! So kind. So warm. So engaging. So encouraging. So interesting. So loving. Bravo Tom to a well lived life! An inspiring life! A beautiful life!

Gene Dukes

January 10, 2024

Loved Tommy´s smile!

Salley Culler Johnson

January 10, 2024

Salley Culler Johnson class of `58 Orangeburg High School.

Tom was not only a wonderful classmate but a dear friend. He was a leader in everything he attempted and always true to his word. Even though we saw each other rarely, we could always have conversations as if it had just been yesterday. He and Sandra were a devoted couple.

Lisa Douglas

January 10, 2024

I will always remember how much Tom loved his dogs and how much they loved him.

Rena Ann Peck

January 10, 2024

Jake, Brett & Greg - your dad is so proud of y´all - Pace Academy´s coolest brothers ever

Rodney Hale

January 10, 2024

RODNEY HALE
Tom and I began our friendship at Georgia International Life Insurance Company, in Atlanta, in 1968. We were 28 years old. Tom was the Legal Counsel and I was the Chief Financial Officer. Two young guys full of P and vinegar. We have remained fast friends ever sense. We were never far away, fishing, phone or email. We could catch up in a second. Many memories and laughs. What a talented guy, great lawyer and maybe a better sculptor.

Irving Faught '65

January 10, 2024

Tom and I were collaborators on our Law School yearbook. He was one of my most pleasant memories of our time at The Law School.

Jim Gray

January 10, 2024

He was simply the best....everything
Jim Gray

Frankie Sayers

January 10, 2024

Frankie Sayers

January 10, 2024

Frankie Sayers

January 10, 2024

Frankie Sayers

January 10, 2024

Frankie Sayers

January 10, 2024

Pappy was more than just a grandfather. He was a best friend and ultimate inspiration. I don't think it gets any luckier than having your grandmother and grandfather (Mimi and Pappy) live on your street. He was always there for everything, whether it be graduation or a middle school band concert. He's the epitome of a role model. I love you forever, Pappy.

Michael Molony

January 10, 2024

Tom Excelled at Everthing he did whether in Sports, As An Outstanding Attorney for Many years and then as a Sculptor...Most importantly, he was an Outstanding Friend and Mentor to me!!

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