David Lee Player

Leicester David Lee Player, 71, passed away Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the Charles George VA Medical Center. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, Mr. Player was a 1965 graduate of Clyde A. Erwin High School, and had retired in 2010 as a civil engineer with the NC Department of Transportation following 30 years of service. Mr. Player was a veteran of the US Navy, having served in the Vietnam War. He was a member of VFW Post 891, as well as a member of Elk Mountain Baptist Church. Mr. Player was the son of the late James Wilburn Player, Sr. and Susan Virginia Burroughs Player. He was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Michelle Player. Surviving are his life partner, Susan Dover, of the home; son, Lee Player of Asheville; granddaughters: Drew and Brennen of Asheville; brothers: Jim Player of Candler, Nick Player and wife Janice of Asheville, Michael Player of Kennesaw, GA, and Stan Player of Duluth, GA; several nieces and nephews; and his special companion, his dog Natalie. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with the Rev. Keith Watkins officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Bldg 1, Asheville, NC 28801, or at www.cancer.org.