Dr Palmer was born in Camilla, Georgia, the only son of the late Jesse Claud and Margaret Roles Palmer. Upon graduation from Camilla High School in 1941 he followed in his father’s footsteps and entered Gordon Military College. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a member of Patton’s Third Army in the European Theatre of Operations. While serving in Germany at the conclusion of hostilities, he developed a fondness for the German people that carried through the rest of his life. On his own he learned to speak German, visited Germany multiple times on vacation, and became close friends and maintained contact with German Naval Officers attending logistics training at the Navy Supply Corps School, Athens, GA.
Upon discharge from military service in May 1946, he was admitted into the first class of the University of Georgia’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Soon after classes began, he and a group of fellow students started a weekly tradition of square-dances at Hardman Hall that were extremely popular and open to all students. Not only was he the group’s organizer but the lead accordion player as well.
While attending the University, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, a charter member of Omega Tau Sigma Fraternity, the Blue Key Honorary Society, and the Gridiron Secret Society. He was also a member of the Athens Rotary Club and the First United Methodist Church. After graduation, he accepted a position on the Faculty teaching small-animal surgery where he remained until 1956 when he entered the Medical College of Georgia.
Upon completion of medical studies, Dr Palmer interned at Athens General Hospital. He was one of 33 physicians in the local area when he began practicing in 1961 as a Family Physician. He retired from full-time practice in 1994 after which he continued to work on a part-time basis for Saint Mary’s Hospital. Until recently he had maintained both his DVM and MD licenses.
Dr Palmer had a life-long passion for learning. He enjoyed reading on a wide range of topics. Always eager to develop new skills, he learned to make knives and work leather. He developed a reputation for his craftsmanship in designing scabbards and handles for the knives he designed. The belts and wallets he tooled are prized possessions of his many friends.
Dr. Palmer was preceded in death by his son, Jack Roles Palmer, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Jean Boyd Palmer, his daughter, Mrs. Betty Palmer Doyle (John), and his grandson, John W. Doyle, all of Athens, GA.
A reception and visitation will be held 1:30, Thursday, March 7 followed by the funeral service at 3:00 at the Athens First United Methodist Church with burial in the Oconee Hills Cemetery. Request that flowers be omitted and donations sent to the church or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com
Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.
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