William Palmer

Major William Merrill Palmer Jr., USMC (ret.), age 64, passed away, Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at his home in Sykesville with his family by his side. He was born on October 30, 1945 in Baltimore, MD, to William M. Palmer Sr. and Doris K. Palmer. He was the older brother of David and Dennis Palmer. He attended the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Georgia Tech University, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1968. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a Marine Aviator until his retirement in 1988. Maj. Palmer was a Vietnam Veteran, flying CH-46 helicopters as well as the A-4 Skyhawk later in his career. He also worked for US Airways, Northrop Grumman, and taught math at North Carroll and Westminster High Schools until the month before his passing. He was married to Carol Ann Jespersen in Dallas, TX on October 14, 1978. He was a father to two boys, Jonathan Samuel, married to Kelly Seebold, and Christopher Andrew, married to Andria Langham. He also had one grandchild, Reese Addison, two dogs, and several “grand-dogs”, as he was fond to call them. Maj. Palmer was fond of many activities. He loved to sail, was an avid fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Navy football, coached South Carroll football and Freedom Optimist lacrosse, and watched the athletic events of his sons. He loved to tell jokes, and always enjoyed a good laugh. He had a zest for life, always with a smile on his face. He is preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife, Carol Palmer of Sykesville, sons and daughters in law, Chris and Andi Palmer of Valdosta, GA; and Jon and Kelly Palmer of Great Mills, MD; brothers and sisters in law, Dennis and Karen Palmer of Kildeer, IL and David and Debby Palmer of Towson, MD; nieces Nina Lorenz Palmer and Martha Hagenbuch; and nephew Stephen Palmer. He is also survived by a very large extended family in Texas. The Family will welcome visitors on Friday, December 10, 2010 at Burrier-Queen Funeral Home & Crematory, PA, 1212 W. Old Liberty Road, in Winfield, MD (Beside South Carroll High School) from 2-4 and 6:30-8:30. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 11:00am at Friendship Baptist Church, 1391 Sykesville Road in Sykesville, MD., with the Rev. Mark Massey officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send a gift to White Sulphur Springs of Officers Christian Fellowship in Manns Choice, PA (www.whitesulphursprings.org).
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