R.G. PALMER

PALMER, SMSGT R. G., USAF RETIRED, 82, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at Gainesville Health Care Center, Gainesville, FL, following a lengthy illness. Born on September 20, 1929 in Anson, TX. Mr. Palmer moved to Gainesville from Miami, FL in 2010. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ruth Rodgers Palmer of Gainesville, FL; daughter, Carole Ann Palmer of Hawthorne, FL; brother, Wayne Palmer of San Antonio, TX; a double first cousin, Mary June Palmer Devaney of Anson, TX; a niece, Debra Jean Fick Walls of Eastland, TX; and nephews, Michael Fick of Stephensville, TX; Gary Fick of Dallas, TX; Duane Fick of Saganaw, TX; Larry Palmer of San Antonio, TX; and Terry Palmer of Austin, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, Addie Mae Smith Palmer and Norbin Clyde Palmer of Merkel, TX, and his older sister, Jacquetta "Jacque" Fick of Eastland, TX. Graduating from Anson High School in Anson, TX in 1946; joining the USAF retiring in 1966. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute in Daytone Beach, FL graduating in 1968. Relocated to Miami, FL, working for and retired from National Airlines 1980. He received his Bachelors Degree in Education from Miami-Dade Community College. He taught for Miami-Dade School System, at George T. Baker School of Aviation. In 1986, he received a Master's Degree in Education from Florida International University. He was a member of Epsilon Pi Tau Fraternity and was of the Baptist Faith. The family will receive friends Monday evening, June 20, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. at the Milam Funeral Home, 311 South Main Street, Gainesville, FL. Funeral Services with full military honors will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL 33513. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606. Arrangements by Milam Funeral Services, 311 South Main Street, Gainesville, FL 352-376-5361. View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.