Jerry James Palmer

Jerry James Palmer, 85, went home to be with the Lord on November 30, 2024, at Frye Regional Hospital. He was born July 4, 1939, in Alexander County, attended Ellendale Elementary, Taylorsville High School and Clevenger Business College. Jerry was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, a Youth leader and an R.A. leader. He served on the Cemetery Committee and two Pastor Search Committees. Jerry was active in missions, helping build several wheelchair ramps. He and his wife went to Gulfport with Bethlehem and Highland Baptist Churches to help with Hurricane Katrina Relief twice. For three years they went with their church group to Rumney, NH to help prepare New England Fellowship for Youth Camp. He was a member of The Gideons International prior to health issues.

Jerry was the son of Hayden and Alma Stikeleather Palmer and the brother of Mary Lois Palmer Bowman who preceded him in death.

Jerry and Mary Lee Alexander Palmer, the love of his life, were married July 16, 1960. They spent over 64 years enjoying life together, rearing their children, enjoying church and community activities, travelling to all 50 states and a multitude of foreign countries with their friends, Cecil and Connie Blackburn. Jerry loved Carolina basketball, hunting deer and antelope in several western states. He coached Little League baseball and gained many lifelong friends. Most of all, Jerry loved the Lord and his family.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Lee (Alexander), daughter, Carol Fox (Ricky); son, Todd Palmer (Carla): grandchildren, Christopher Fox (Savannah), Brennan Fox (Kayli); Rachel Palmer and Livia Palmer; great grandchildren, Nellie Fox, Callan Fox and another due in June; brother-in-law, Zeb Bowman and his family; and many cousins.

After Bethlehem Baptist Church burned, Jerry had the opportunity to do volunteer security during demolition and the rebuilding of the church. He lived within sight of the church and it gave him the opportunity to talk with people, something he truly loved. Carol brought him a hardhat with Bethlehem Baptist Church across the front to help make it somewhat official.

Jerry spent his working life beginning part time at fifteen with Trio Supermarket, Taylorsville and Bethlehem; and later with Merchants Distributors, Inc., Hickory.

Family and friends are invited to services on Wednesday. December 4, 2024, at Bethlehem Baptist Church with visitation from 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm and funeral at 1:30. Rev. Dean Chambers will officiate. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers include Christopher Fox, Brennan Fox, Lewis (Buddy) Alexander, Anthony Bowman, Roy Little and Dwayne Simmons. Musicians are Rachel Palmer, violinist and Livia Palmer, pianist who are granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to North Carolina Baptist on Mission (NCBOM), P. O. Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512. Note on check Hurricane Helene Relief. Or to The Gideons International, P. O Box 577, Taylorsville NC 28681. 

 Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service. 

 Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com