William "Bill" I Palmer Jr.

Bill was born in Lewiston on April 14, 1936. He was the son of the late William I. Palmer Sr. and Irene (Rand) Palmer. He was educated in Portland schools. Bill was married to his beloved wife Anita (Colpritt) Palmer for 41 years before her passing in 1994.

For many years Bill worked in the recycling industry, most recently for E. Perry and Sons.

Bill was an avid collector of Country Western memorabilia. He enjoyed travelling, trips to the casino to test lady luck, going to auctions, and out to dinner with friends and family. When Bill was younger he often took his family on outing to the lake for a swim, picnic, or just a ride to the “country”. Bill was a fine man with a good heart.

Besides his loving wife Anita, Bill was predeceased by four siblings, Beverly Cookson, Gloria Nichols, Bradford Luce and Sandra Cribbey.

Bill is survived by his eight children; daughters Luanne Fortin and Husband James, Deborah Dambrie and husband Richard, Melanie Cleaves, Dianna Floridino and husband Aniello, Margaret Sanborn and husband Charles, Shelly Palmer and Rodney Corbeil; sons, William I. Palmer III, and Bradford Palmer and wife Theresa. Also surviving is a sister Margaret Cooper, fourteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to a period of visitation this Thursday, April 17 from 4 to 7 PM at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland; where a funeral service for Bill will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday the 18th. Burial will follow at Brooklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Bill’s memory to the American Red Cross, or the American Diabetes Association.

To leave messages of condolence, or sign the online guestbook please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com