Henley Gordon Palmer

Henley "Gordon" Palmer, September 11, 1935 - May 14, 2026. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Rosedale Baptist Church (2424 28th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401) with the visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Mr. Palmer will be laid to rest at 1:30 p.m. at Pondville Cemetery (238 Bibb County 16, Brent, AL 35034)

Gordon Henley Palmer "Bud" was born on September 11, 1935, the only son of the late Houston Henley and Sadie L. Steward Palmer of Bibb County. He later moved and resided in Tuscaloosa County. He was 90 years old when he went home to be with the Lord on May 14th, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters: Willie Ree Palmer Scott, Exer Euelle Palmer Smith, Gladys Faye Palmer Barton, Avis Louise Palmer, Margaret Palmer Benton, and one son, Armon Brett Palmer.

He is survived by his children: Keith (Kim) Palmer, Julie Palmer, Susie Palmer, Todd (Shannon) Palmer, and Scott (Lori) Buttram.

Grandchildren: Tyler (Taylor) Palmer, Alyssa Palmer, Carson Palmer, Mason Palmer, Harrison Palmer, Jase (Molly) Buttram, Sara-Marie Buttram, and extended family, including cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Pallbearers include Rusty Barton, Parker Barton, Tanner Barton, Barry Wyatt, William Ralph Cook Jr., and James Houston Cook.

A special "Thank you" to his Home Care Companions.

In 1955, Gordon "TATER" was a part of the last Senior Class of Tuscaloosa High School Black Bears and the first Class to hold a Graduation Ceremony in the new Central High School Auditorium (East Campus)...

One of his greatest passions throughout his High School years was his deep love of sports, where his talent, determination, and heart made him unforgettable. Sports were woven into the fabric of his life. A gifted and versatile athlete, his natural ability, determination, and competitive spirit set him apart from the rest. Whether on the football field, basketball court, baseball field, or competing in track, sprinting, and broad jump, he performed with unmatched talent and determination.

He became known not only for his remarkable ability on the field, but for the spirit and determination he brought to every game, earning him the admiration and respect of teammates, coaches, and friends alike, many of whom considered him among the finest players they had ever seen.

To many who knew and watched him play, he was regarded as one of the greatest all-around players they had ever witnessed, and his legacy continues to live on in the memories of teammates, friends, and fans alike.

Here are a few of his noted accomplishments:

• Junior Class Vice-President.

• Fire Brigade

• Red Letter Club -4

• Captain of the Football Team

• BLACK WARRIOR Favorite

• All-County Football

• Mechanical Drawing Club

• The Tuscaloosa News Annual All-Star County Football Team 1954.

• Tuscaloosa Back All-State High School Football Team 1954, Birmingham Post-Herald Coaches Poll.

• Certificate of Merit - Back of the Week Football Season, Tuscaloosa Quarterback Club 1954.

• AA State of Alabama Basketball Champions-Tuscaloosa Senior High School Team 1955.

• Black Bear Hall of Fame Inductees 1975-6.

• Tuscaloosa High School Hall of Fame Black Bear Booster Club, Dec. 2, 1976.

Following High School, Gordon went to play Baseball his freshman year at the University of Alabama. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball team; however, he refused, because he had received a job offer at Alan Jemison Hardware as a bookkeeper, and it paid more money.

Later, Gordon went to work for Alagasco, where he retired, while running his own business, "BAMA Appliance". He also continued managing his residential properties along with Skyland Mobile Home Park.

Gordon was called a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, an uncle, "Bud", "Tator," and Dad. But greatest of all is "Adopted'.

Of all who called him, the most life-changing call of all, to which Dad responded, was on April 8th, 2024, in the bedroom of his home. After talking for some time with Brother Jimmy Garner, an invitation was extended, and Dad chose to answer the greatest call of his life by surrendering his life to Jesus Christ and accepting Him as Savior and Lord.

As it is stated in God's Word, one MUST be Born Again by the Spirit of God (John 3:3-7). Not just by believing God sent His only beloved Son, Jesus, into the world for the forgiveness and remission of sin, but by making a conscious, heartfelt, and personal decision to accept Him as Savior and to give Him the place of Lordship in our lives.

Jesus Himself declared, "I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by Me". (John 14:6)

For "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

For "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:9-10, 13)

'Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about His Son.

And this is the testimony: God has given us Eternal Life, and this Life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has Life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have Life.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have Eternal Life."

(1 John 5:10-13)

Do "you" know that you have Eternal Life?

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Pondville United Methodist Church, "Pondville Cemetery". (238 Bibb County 16, Brent, AL 35034)