Joe Pace Palmer

Joe Pace Palmer  passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home with his wife by his side on March 17, 2019. Joe was born in Leroy, Alabama on November 6, 1929 to the late Joseph Palmer and Frances Pace Palmer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Frances Palmer Fleming and her husband Ellis.

Joe graduated from Leroy High School in 1948 where he played football and baseball, participated in Future Farmers of American, and served as class President. After graduating from Leroy, Joe attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University). He was a member of ROTC and he was a Phi Kappa Phi graduate in Agricultural Engineering in 1952.

Joe served in the Army as a Second Lieutenant and was a proud veteran of the Korean War. Upon returning to the states he came back to Leroy and tried his hand at farming while working at Jackson Bank and Trust. It was during this time he had a blind date with the girl that would become his wife.

Joe worked at Ciba Geigy for many years and began a “second career” as the “unofficial water man” in Leroy. During these years he also served on the Board of Trustees at The University of Mobile and as Chairman of the Board of Washington County Hospital. He also served as the President of the Clarke-Washington Auburn Alumni Association.

Joe was a long-time active member of First Baptist Church in Leroy. He had an unyielding faith and served as a Deacon, Sunday School Director and teacher and on various committees. His love for his Sunday School Class was evident as his class grew to be the largest class in the church.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Audrey Overstreet Palmer. He is also survived by his daughter, Jo Ellen Palmer Gordon and her husband Chip. His granddaughters are Katie Gordon Warden and her husband Hunter, and Abbie Gordon Montgomery and her husband Andrew. Other survivors include his sisters Ann Palmer Tidwell and her husband Ted. Linda Palmer Shaw and her husband Woodie. Brother Hugh Palmer. His loving in-laws, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Online Condolences May be expressed at www.ststephensfuneralhomellc.com. Funeral arrangements are by St. Stephens Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 19, 6 - 8pm at First Baptist Church in Leroy. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held in the church sanctuary on Wednesday, March 20, 2pm, led by Rev. Warren Culver. Pallbearers will be Clay Overstreet, Jonathan Overstreet, Tommy Overstreet, David Palmer, Teddy Paul, and Steve Shaw. Honorary Pallbearers will include the Deacons of First Baptist Leroy and the members of the Joe Pace Palmer Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to FBC Leroy.

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