Gerald Keith Palmer, age 82, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at home. The 8th of 10 children of Andrew and Stella King Palmer, he was born November 25, 1932 in Habersham County. He served in the medical department of the United States Navy during the Korean War, graduated from Truett-McConnell College and Mercer University. He was Human Resource Director for Fieldale Farms for 31 years and began a company wellness program now being copied and expanded by many companies nationwide. Mr. Palmer was a Deacon and adult Sunday school teacher at Riverbend and Lakewood Baptist churches while living in Gainesville and Elder and Clerk of Sessions at Cornelia Presbyterian Church after moving back to Habersham County in 1980.
Mr. Palmer was a man of great integrity. He had the ability to take control and solve problems where needed, was always professional, never seemed to get upset, never cursed, and treated everyone with respect. Even in the last years dealing with Parkinson’s Disease and several painful medical issues, he never lost his wit and sense of humor. He was a wonderful example of how a real Christian man should be.
Mr. Palmer enjoyed making furniture, owning and working on antique cars, playing guitar and ping pong, trips with his wife, taking care of his property, his tractor, church, and all the time with his family.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Sylvia B. Palmer; son and daughter-in-law, Steven Gerald Palmer and Stacey E. Palmer; son, Keith Eugene Palmer and girlfriend, Tammy White; 5 grandchildren, Heather married to Scott Jordan; Sarah married to Matt Almand; Lana married to Chris Green; Hannah Palmer and Emma Palmer; one grandson, Jacob Steven Palmer.
Mr. Palmer and his family especially appreciated the respect, affection and care of the staffs of Habersham Medical Center, The Oaks at Scenic View, HCMC Home Health Care and Hospice of North GA Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at Cornelia Presbyterian Church, at 2:30 pm, Sunday, June 14, 2015 with visitation immediately following in the fellowship hall. Mr. Palmer will be placed in the church at 2:00 pm to lie-in-state until the funeral hour. Interment will be at Yonah Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by United States Navy Color Guard, Grant Reeve VFW, Habersham County American Legion, and Rabun County DAV. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, (706) 778-7123 in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations made to Habersham Christian Learning Center, P.O Box 427, Cornelia, GA 30531; Cornelia Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 165, Cornelia, GA 30531; or Truett-McConnell College, 100 Alumni Drive, Cleveland, GA 30528 will be so appreciated.
Those wishing to express online condolences to the Palmer family may do so by visiting our website at www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
