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Thomas Palmer Obituary
May 18, 2025
Thomas "T" Darnell Palmer passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025 after a full 91 years. Born in 1934, in Scott County, VA to Lucian C. Palmer, Sr. and Eugenia Darnell Palmer.
Tom is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Shirley McConnell Palmer. Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Patti Jacobs (Guy), Jeanne Clarke (Ralph); five grandchildren, Bradley Clarke (Jane), Shannon Herlong (Bryce), Linsey Clarke (Nathan), Andrew Clarke and Austin Clarke; two great-grandchildren, Christopher and Charlie Clarke and extended family and friends.
Tom graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Mathematics. He retired from Eastman Chemical Company as a Senior Research Physicist.
With a kind heart, bright mind, generous spirit and deep faith, Tom touched many lives. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Johnson City for over sixty years and was active in the Friendship Sunday School Class.
Tom was generous and always wanting to share with others. From taking his Sunday School class to the beach, opening up his home and hosting gatherings at the party barn in the country. Tom never forgot his roots and cherished where he came from. He and Shirley enjoyed traveling. Together they visited fifty states and thirty-nine countries. Tom never met a stranger, enjoyed laughter and loved a good practical joke.
Tom's mind was active until his final days; keeping up with the latest technology, trying to solve problems and thinking up projects.
He was "like a Father" to several dear friends and "papaw" to many. He loved God, his family and friends dearly.
The graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Monte Vista Memorial Park on Friday, May 23, with Pastor Jim Pollock officiating. Pallbearers will be selected by family and friends. Those who wish to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 9:45 a.m. on Friday.
A gathering of friends will follow the graveside service for a luncheon at Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City at 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Anna Altland, his caregiver and friend.
Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or Doe River Gorge Ministries, 220 Doe River Gorge Rd, Hampton, TN 37658.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com.
Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St. Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Palmer family (423-610-7171).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Palmer
Sponsored by Tetrick Funeral Services - Johnson City.
Gary/ Jan Hendrickson
December 17, 2025
We met Tom via email and phone through Ancestry. Found him to be a 2nd or 3rd cousin through my mom Dorothy Palmer. Never meeting in person, he called us and invited us to come and spend some time with him at his home. We could tell he was a very sweet man. Never got there from CA. I know we missed meeting a great man.
Linda Sand
May 23, 2025
Tom was the best. We worked in the same lab in B-150B at Eastman. We became friends and I admired him greatly. He will be missed. Prayers to the family on his passing.
Karen Hall
May 22, 2025
I met the Palmers when I applied for a job at the church and from that time on, the Palmer family was so special to Richard and me. They were the role model of marriage and raising kids and always gave us good counsel . Through the years, we have maintained our friendships and admired their faith, generous hearts, and the love they always shown to all. We will miss you Tom
Richard and Karen Hall
Diane H Strege
May 22, 2025
Patti and Jeannie, I have such wonderful memories in your home with both your dad and mom when I was growing up. Please know that I love you both and am praying for you...Diane Harter Strege
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Robin Hager Potter
May 20, 2025
Patti and Jeanne, your mom and dad hold a special place in my heart. They always treated me with kindness. I will always remember your dad's willingness to pick my mom up at JCMCH and bring her to my dad's funeral. She was even able to talk him into bringing her home for a few hours. That deed was a blessing to all of us. Know that I love you and am praying for you. Robin Hager Potter
Betty Furches.
May 19, 2025
Patti and Jeannie, I am saddened by the passing of your precious Dad. His life was full of God´s grace. May you both find comfort through the power of the Holy Spirit. And may you rest in His peace. Betty McGaha Furches.
Steve Gross
May 19, 2025
My visits with Tom have been a highlight for me these many years. We shared memories of First Church which he dearly loved and had many moments of laughter and some tears too.
I always left his home uplifted! I will really miss him.
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