Obituary of Thomas H. Palmer, Sr.

Thomas H. Palmer, Sr., age 79, of New Castle, VA, went to be with his creator on October 28, 2018. He was born in Wytheville, VA on February 4, 1939, son of Harry Everett Palmer and Mae Kegley Palmer. He was proceeded in death by his son, John Palmer.  Survived by wife, Beverly Palmer of New Castle, VA; sister Rose Mason (and Richard Mason) of Cummings, Ga; sons Thomas Palmer, Jr (and Sheila Palmer) of Vinton, VA and  Everett Palmer ( and Darcie Palmer) of New Castle, VA; grandchildren, Taylor Shifflett (and Matthew Shifflett) of Mosheim, TN, Colby Palmer of Richmond, VA, Shane Palmer of Burke, VA and Courtney Palmer of Vinton, VA; Great Grandchildren, Braiden and Bentley Shifflett, along with several nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends. 

He was a graduate of George Wythe High School and East Tennessee State University and attended East Tennessee State University Graduate School. He was a former Teacher and Coach with the Atlanta Board of Education, a Labor Relations Representative with the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Corporation, a Personnel Director with the Kenrose Manufacturing Co., a division of GENESCO, and a Director of Employee Labor Relations with the United States Postal Service. He was a 25 year member of the Roanoke Rotary Club serving as President from 1972-73, a member of the Cave Spring United Methodist Church and active in Olympic Weightlifting AAU competitions in the 50’s and early 60’s. In his later years, he enjoyed being involved with the New Castle United Methodist Church, working on his land with his John Deere and staying active and continuing his weightlifting. 

Funeral service will be held 2 P.M. Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel conducted by The Reverend Randall Blankenship, retired minister and family friend, with interment to follow in the Mt. Pleasant Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 1 P.M. until service time. Donations can be made in honor of his life to the Craig County Rescue Squad or to the Craig County School System. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.