Robert P. Palmer

Robert P. Palmer, age 79, of Avon Park, Florida, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2014. He was born on March 30, 1934 in Boston, MA to Duncan and Christine (Nolan) Palmer. In 1948, at 14 years old he joined the National Guard. In 1950, when the Korean War began, it was found that he was underage and they sent him home. Graduating from Avon Park High School in 1951, Robert worked as an ironworker with his father in Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina. He then attended the University of Florida until being drafted in the U.S. Army in 1957. After returning to Avon Park, he was an electrician with Florida Power until starting Palmer Electric in 1965 on Main Street where his family had run a rooming house and grocery store. He currently owned and operated Palmer Ace Hardware and Palmer Grand Rental Station, served on the Board of Director's for Heartland National Bank, and was a member of Pinecrest Golf Course. Robert is survived by his Wife - Nancy Ellen Palmer of Avon Park, FL; Sister - Anne Sebring (Billy) of Sebring, FL; preceded in death by Son - Mark Carlton Palmer (Patty Payne Palmer); Children - John Patrick Palmer of Avon Park, FL; David Christopher Palmer of Avon Park, FL; Greg Dixon of Sebring, FL; Doug Dixon of Orlando, FL; Cathy Dixon Sopotnick (Chris) of Stuart, FL; Robin Johnson of Clearwater; Sanford Ripley Boley, IV of Avon Park, FL; Beth Vickers (John) of Sebring, FL; Mike Boley (Lynette) of Lake Placid, FL; Grandchildren - Robert Carlton Palmer; Logan Elizabeth Palmer; Jack David Sopotnick; Luke Edward Sopotnick; Nathan Fred Sopotnick; Cody Vickers; Chelsea Vickers; Garrett Johnson; Grant Johnson; Joseph Johnson; Tanner Boley; Zachary Boley; Carson Boley; 3 Great Grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Avon Park Lakes Baptist Church with Rev. George Hall officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, March 21, 2014 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at the Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Avon Park. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Camp Boggy Creek Gang for children with serious illnesses, 30500 Brantley Branch Road, Eustis, FL, 32735 or Rock the Gold for Children's Cancer Research, 1696 East Sears Road, Avon Park, FL 33825. Funeral Arrangements Entrusted To: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home - Avon Park www.stephensonnelsonfh.com