Judy Coley Player, 79, of Rockingham, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Sept. 21, 1945, in Concord, North Carolina, to the late Clyde and Vera Coley.
Judy was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Gene Player, with whom she spent 60 wonderful years. She first met Gene when she was a majorette for Hamlet High School, marching in the Christmas parade. Love at first sight was a very true statement for Gene at the sight of Judy, glamorously making her way down the street.
After five years of courting, Judy and Gene were wed in 1964 and began a happy, love-filled marriage together. They welcomed their only child, their son, Robb Player, and together were a loving family.
Judy was a hard and diligent worker all during her life. She dedicated more than 40 years working for Southern Bell Telephone Company and adapted as the company did. She finished her 48-year long career with the company after spending 20 years driving each day to Greensboro to work at the local AT&T office.
Judy loved her trips to the beach where she highly enjoyed her time that she spent camping, enjoying the scenery, and spending time with her family. Judy loved to care for her flowers that radiated the same level of beauty and warmth as herself and was an avid watcher of “Murder, She Wrote.”
She lived a selfless life and always devoted her time and self to her family. She was always tagging along with Gene or her son Robb and loved the time she could spend with them. When her two granddaughters, Alyse and Abbie, came along, Judy’s time would become occupied with the joy it was to spend her days with them, and spoil them with anything they needed or even wanted.
Judy loved with a full heart for everyone, but she always held a special place for her granddaughters, who affectionately called her “Punkin.” Judy will be dearly missed by all her family and friends, as she was truly the center of love for all who knew her.
Left to cherish Judy’s memory are her husband of 60 years, Gene Player; her son, Robb Player (Sandy); granddaughters Alyse Player Melvin (Charlie) and Abbie Player; and her sister, Ann Saunders.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Robbin Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond County Memorial Park.
In addition to flowers, memorial donations can be made to Richmond County Hospice Haven at 1119 N U.S. 1 Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online memorials and tributes can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is assisting the Player family.
