Samuel C. Palmer
Samuel C. Palmer, Jr., 88, passed away on March 14, 2024 surrounded by family at Bridgewater Retirement Community.
Sam was born September 17, 1935 in Staunton, Virginia. He was the son of the late Laura Ethel Palmer and Samuel Chester Palmer, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John William Palmer, and a beloved daughter, Diane Geisel.
Sam was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and an art major at Madison College when it was a women's teachers' college. He was an honorary member of the women's fencing team.
Sam was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army for 28 years. He was stationed in France, Germany, Korea and Okinawa, as well as many bases throughout the United States. Sam worked in Operations and Intelligence and as a Supply Specialist. He retired from his favorite job in Ballistic Aerial Target Systems in White Sands, New Mexico.
After retirement as a Sergeant First Class, Sam moved back to Virginia. In 1991, he married Chandra Palmer. He was a storekeeper at James Madison University and retired after 16 years of service at JMU.
Sam was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where he enjoyed volunteering as an usher for many years. Sam never met a stranger. He was an enthusiastic, long time member of Bible Study Fellowship. Sam was always encouraging his friends and acquaintances to join BSF. He also loved his home group, Second Season, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Sam enjoyed the daily crossword puzzle, classic movies, westerns, golf, watching Dallas Cowboys football and reading.
Sam is survived by his wife, Chandra, along with a daughter, Pam Rickers (Doug), three sons, Ty, Jeff, and Mitchell Palmer, a stepson, Zachary Persinger (Jassica), and a son-in-law, Rick Geisel (Angie). A sister, Linda Zinkhan, grandchildren, Katie and Jay Rickers, and Gideon and Grace Geisel, along with step-grandchildren, Laura Gregory and Hope Petit also survive.
A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, with Pastor Todd Pruitt officiating. Family will meet with visitors at a reception at the church following the service. Sam will be interred at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Bible Study Fellowship (https://www.bsfinternational.org/) in Sam's honor.
