Robert Franklin Palmer Jr.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Crestwood Funeral Chapel for Robert Franklin Palmer Jr., 76, Gadsden, who died Saturday, April 26, 2014. Minister Billy Hayes officiated the service. Graveside service followed in Crestwood Cemetery.
Mr. Palmer was born to Frank and Alice Palmer on July 2, 1937, in Margaret. He married his beautiful wife of 56 years on March 7, 1958, and they began a life journey that, over the years, would carry them over the state of Alabama, into Mississippi and back to Gadsden, where he retired "on the mountain" in 1999. He was a steadfast member of Fairview Road Church of Christ. Over the years, he served as a Deacon and an Elder for several congregations. He was a devout Christian, loving and devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He had a very much, no- nonsense approach to life with a quick wit and sense of humor that brought smiles and laughter to many. He had the ability to find humor in almost every situation. He loved life and was grateful to the Lord for the one he was given. It did not appear that he ever took a single moment, anyone or anything for granted. He was proud and independent, yet humble and sincere. He offered something very rare in this life, and that was unconditional love.
With an undying love for the outdoors, he spent countless hours hunting, fishing and boating. He taught his children and grandchildren well how to do the same and, by example, he taught a tremendous respect for all God's creations. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family. Although it was never really his mission to be so, he was a great life teacher. He led and taught by a Christian example. He was a man of integrity and lived with the highest of morals and standards. When he gave his word, it meant something. If he told you something, it was so. Always was there to lend a helping hand when needed, yet seldom asked for and never expected any help in return. He was the "Mr. Fix It" for all his family and friends.
Few people encountered Robert Palmer who didn't learn something from him. He lived by an unspoken life motto, "Don't give up and never quit." Battling cancer for nearly three years, he proved himself a true and fierce warrior and held true to that motto to the very end. He will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Greene Palmer; two daughters, Karen Palmer (Mark) Chavers and Kathy Palmer (Jonn) Duncan; grandchildren, Jeramey (Monica) Chavers, Jason Chavers, Amanda Duncan (Billy) Jones, Michael (Kayla) Duncan; great-grandchildren, Tucker Chavers, Emma Chavers, Hartley Chavers, Summit Chavers, Jaxson Jones and Palmer Duncan; brother, Jimmy Palmer; and sisters, Sue Palmer Helton and Linda Palmer; several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Jonn Duncan, Michael Duncan, Billy Jones, Gary Gladden, Tommy Willingham and Johnny Hale.
A very special thank you to Dr. Jeremy Goodwin and staff Jessica and Ashley, third-floor Extension Nursing Staff at Riverview Regional Medical Center, Dr. Deborah Reiland and Alacare Hospice.
Flowers are very much appreciated, or donations in Mr. Palmer's name can be made to Fairview Road Church of Christ.
Visitation was from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.