William Franklin "Bill" Palmer

Obituary

Beloved father, cherished grandfather, treasured uncle and friend, William Franklin Palmer, age 97, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2022 in Longview, Texas.  William, affectionately known as “Bill” was born on August 11, 1924 in Marshall, Texas to Charles Whitney Palmer and Viola Elizabeth (Patty) Palmer. Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife, Amelia Goldberg Palmer; his parents, Charles and Viola Palmer, and his siblings, Tommy, Fred, Jack, Myrtis and Annie.  He is survived by his children, William David Palmer (Donice L. Palmer) and Patty Scott Palmer Huddleston (William “Bill” Huddleston); grandson, William Trent Palmer of Colorado; great-nephew, Scott Durham (Mary), as well as other nieces, nephews and countless friends who knew and loved him. Bill graduated high school from Marshall Independent School District in 1941 and went on to proudly serve his country in the military.  He joined the Army Air Corp a few days after hearing about the attack on Pearl Harbor.  He was a B-25 Bomber pilot dispatched to Italy (via Algeria) in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre.  After the war ended, he remained in the Air Force Reserves at Barksdale AFB for 26 years until his retirement, during which time he attained the rank of Colonel.  While in the Reserves, he was involved in a NATO tour in Europe in 1964.   Bill studied business at ETBU and East Texas State in Commerce, Texas.  He spent his professional career in the insurance industry and with First Federal Savings & Loan as President.  In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed duck hunting and spending time at Caddo Lake on his house boat.  Bill was well loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 1:00pm at First United Methodist Church in Marshall with Rev. David Luckert and Bob Bryant officiating.  A time of visitation will immediately follow the service.  Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are General Vernon Lewis, Bill Sullivan, George Huffman, Phillip Davis, Jerry Akin, Eddie Pricer and the FUMC Sunday School Class and Lunch Group.  Online condolences may be offered at www.meadowbrookfh.com

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