Roy Palmer, 92, of Sylvester, died September 5, 2015 at his residence. The Funeral service were held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 8th at First Baptist Church Sylvester. Interment followed in the Pinecrest Memory Gardens in Pelham GA. The Rev. Earnie Pirkle and Dr. Pete Sharber officiated.
He was born on January 13, 1923 in Camilla GA to Tenneth and Dora Palmer.
Roy retired in 1986 after 41 years with Mitchell EMC. He began in 1945 as a young man working in the construction crew and was promoted to Sylvester District Manager in 1948. In 1973 he became General Manager of Mitchell EMC in Camilla GA, a position he held until retiring. He was actively involved with the Georgia Electric Membership Association in their early formative years. Mr. Palmer often commented on the thrill of seeing customers in the early days when their lights were turned on for the first time.
Mr. Palmer was a deacon of First Baptist Church and a member of the Elton Baker Sunday school class which held a special place in his heart. In addition, he took great pride for many years in working with the men of the church to build handicap ramps for county residents who needed them. Roy never met a stranger and enjoyed volunteering his time in construction projects for family and friends. He especially loved his family and spending time with them. Also, he loved the outdoors and for many years was an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer. In recent years he enjoyed working in his yards and sharing them with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years Ruby Snipes Palmer, children; Lee Palmer (Nancy),
Sandra Westbrook (Ronald), Stephanie Beckwith (Don), Patty Tomlinson (Carl), Tommy
Snipes (Peggie), Sue Sue Young (Terry), and Cheryl Morris (Ray), fifteen grandchildren and
25 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents Mr. Palmer was preceded in death by his first wife Helen Palmer July 15, 1974 and Brothers, Daniel and Gene Palmer.
Pallbearers for the service included Craig Giles, Kent Powell, Mike Houston, Jim Reynolds,
Steve Spooner, Phillip Lumpkin. Honorary Pallbearers: James Coleman and members of the Elton Baker Sunday School Class.
A special thank you to Hospice of Tift area for their loving care and support.
For those desiring donations can be made to Hospice of Tiftarea, P.O drawer 747, Tifton
Ga. 31793 or the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 309, Sylvester, GA 31791.
Please sign our online guest registry at www.banksfh.com. Banks Funeral Home in Sylvester is in charge of arrangements.