TRAVERSE CITY — Jay Samuel Player, 94, of Traverse City, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, at his home with his loving wife by his side.Jay was born July 12, 1917, in St. Claire County, to the late Samuel and Mary (Barberrie) Player. On June 21, 1941, he married Margaret H. "Peggy" Turner in Detroit at The Grand River Ave. Baptist Church.Jay honorably served in the United States Army in World War II. He had lived in Traverse City since 1977, after moving from Redford Township. Jay was also a member of the Grand Traverse Genealogical Society. He spent many hours volunteering and helping others with their family history research and maintaining the library genealogical collection.Jay was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan. He happily spent 25 years in Lakeland, Fla., watching their spring training take place. Jay was also proud of the seven times that he walked the Labor Day Mackinaw Bridge Walk after the age of 80.Surviving Jay is his wife of 70 years, Peggy; sisters, Mary Ellen Prather and Barberrie Holben; sisters-in-law, Loraine Wallace and Audrey Turner; and several nieces and nephews.Jay was preceded in death by his parents; and in-laws, Ronald Wallace, Virginia (Lewis) Heimer, and Alan Turner.Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of one's choice.Please sign Jay's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.