Monday, July 28, 2014 10:24 am

James Robert Palmer, 84, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2014, at Wendover Hospice House.   He was born in Cleveland County, March 10, 1930 to the late John Palmer Sr. and Nettie Hicks Pendleton Palmer.  In addition to his parents, James was also preceded in death by two sisters, Lillian Hope and Frances Stewart, and one brother John Palmer Jr.   James attended Polkville High School and completed his education in the US Army.

James served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War before retiring from the Army with 27 years of service as a Sergeant Major.  He also retired from the South Carolina State Government and settled in Columbia, SC.   James was a 32^nd Degree Mason with the Fort Jackson Masonic Lodge #374 AF & AM and member of the Scottish Rite, both of Columbia, SC. 

James is survived by his wife of 61 years Lillian (Polly) Sneed Palmer of Shelby; one daughter, Tammy Hand and husband Scott, of Austin, Texas; one granddaughter, Jamee Schneider of New Orleans, Louisiana; and one grandson, Louie.  Also surviving are one sister, Kate Floyd; brothers Ben Palmer; Joe Palmer and wife Grace, Am (Chuck) Palmer and wife Gladys, all of Shelby.

A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, July 27, 2014, at 3:00 PM at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with the Rev. Joe Riley officiating.  The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 PM prior to the service.  Mr. Palmer will be honored with full military rites. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Palmer.