Thomas Andrew Palmer

PALMER-Thomas Andrew (“Andy”) Palmer of Jacksonville, Fl, passed away on Monday, Sept 26, 2011 in the comfort of his family. He had recently celebrated his 85th birthday. He was born in Abbeville, SC on September 18, 1926 to parents James Frank Palmer and Alice Brown Robison Palmer. Andy spent his early years working his family’s farm with his sister and brothers. He served in the US Army during World War II and went on to graduate from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He went to work for Southern Bell and retired after 35 years of service as a District Manager. Andy was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church for over 40 years, participating in the Bykota Sunday School class, the Men’s Prayer Breakfast and the Men’s Club. He also was an enthusiastic golfer, who served as a ranger at Queen’s Harbor Yacht & Country Club and taught “Arrive Alive,” an AARP’s senior citizens defensive driving course. Andy was predeceased by his devoted wife of 53 years, Minnie Belle Parkman Palmer: a daughter, Donna Jeanne Matthews; and a brother, James Frank Palmer. He is survived by his loving spouse, Elizabeth B. Palmer; four children: June Marie Palmer, Janice P. Taylor (Terry), Thomas A. Palmer, Jr. (“Tom”) and Kathy P. Wilsie. He also is survived by three step-children: Pamela Bridgeport (Parker), Rebecca Westbrooke and John C. Westbrooke, III (Kelly) and six grandchildren/step-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Andy is also survived by a brother, Dr. Robert M. Palmer (Alice) and a sister, Annie P. Hannah. Andy was a committed follower of Christ and demonstrated his love for God and others in all that he did. He will be greatly missed.A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 29th at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Rev. Melissa Pisco and Rev. James Jennings officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, Greenwood, SC at a later date.Memorials may be made to Gilgal UMC, 644 Milford Dairy Road, Abbeville, SC 29620 and St. Paul UMC, 8264 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211.Arrangements are being handled by Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd.