Gary Mark Palmer, Sr.

Gary Mark Palmer, Sr. moved to his celestial home on July 20, 2025, at the age of 86.

He was the son of the late Okee Hood Palmer and Pearl Louise Coffey of Lexington GA.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years 6 months and 1 day years: Naomi Anthony Palmer

Father to: Gary Mark Palmer, Jr and his wife Rhonda; Troy Dean Palmer and his wife Kelly; Jeremy Michael Palmer and his wife Jesse and Nicholas Adam Palmer and his wife Alicia.

Grandfather (or Papa) to: Adam Palmer, Brittany Palmer, Jared Palmer and his wife Ashley Rae, Aaron Palmer, Noah Palmer and Tori, Kristy Palmer, Ruuk Lancaster, Julia Palmer, Izabella Palmer, Amery Palmer, Nichole Nyman, Christopher Cantwell, and Katie Marleau.

Great Grandpa to: Elijah Palmer, Gabriel Palmer, Carter Neathery, Brooks Neathery, Zayden Rayburn, and Jayden Palmer.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Charles Edward Palmer and Marvin Palmer

Gary served in the Air Force as a weatherman for 4 years.

After being discharged from the service he went to work for Eli Whit. After leaving them he went to work for Orkin. He then went to work in construction. He retired from full time construction at age 73 but continued to do small job until age 79. After he retired, he enjoyed woodworking and make small things like wooden cars, eyeglass holders, cell phone holder, pencil holders and other items to sale at the arts & craft festivals.

He enjoyed playing sports. He was always very competitive. He played marble in elementary school. In junior high school and high school, he started playing basketball and baseball. He was in a bowling league while in the air force. He played recreational league basketball in his early adult years. He started playing softball at the age of 40 and played on his church’s softball league as well as an adult recreational league for some years. He took up golfing at 56 years old and started bowling in a league the same year. He coached baseball and basketball in the youth recreational department in Oglethorpe County. He was also an avid fan for the professional teams: St. Louis Cardinals, the Atlanta Brave, the Atlanta Falcons. And was Georgia Bulldog fan through and through for Football, Basketball, Men’s Baseball and women’s softball.

In his leisure time he loved to grow things, both vegetables and flowers. He loved to make homemade jellies and jams.

He loved to travel. He visited 37 states plus went to Canada and Mexico. He also went on several cruise the Bahamas, Caribbean and Cozumel islands.

In lieu of flowers

Gary loved to spend time with Family and Friends. To honor Gary, call up a family member or friend that you have not seen in a while and take them out for a meal to catch up with them. Then text or message me about it. Call and make a date with them now so you don’t forget.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Sunday, August 3, at 2:00p.m. at Stevens Grove Baptist Church, 707 Stevens Grove Church Road, Lexington, GA 30648.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is assisting the family of Mr. Gary Mark Palmer, Sr.