Gene Earl Palmer

A Memorial Service for Gene Earl Palmer, 78, of Hallsville is scheduled for Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. October 3, 2017 at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Longview, TX., with Bro. Kelly Wright officiating and under the direction of Haggard Funeral Home. There will be a visitation 2-3 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home prior to the service directed by Haggard Funeral Home of Jefferson, TX.

Mr. Palmer was born September 18, 1939 in Sulphur Springs, TX. to Clarence Palmer, Sr. and Lola Lucille Smith as the middle of five children and passed away September 27, 2017 in Longview. He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters; Theresa Kay Palmer Summers and Jacqueline Denise Palmer; and two brothers; Clarence Palmer, Jr. and Deral Edward Palmer.

Mr. Palmer grew up on his parent’s dairy farm in Hallsville that also included laying hens and a vegetable farm that he helped with. Although he had many responsibilities he still had time to hunt and explore in the 100's of acres in and around the family farm. Mr. Palmer graduated from Hallsville High School and proudly went on to play football for Texas A&M. He was also a champion bull and saddle bronc rider and often referred to this as the dumbest thing he had ever done even though his family loved the stories and thought it was very cool. He received an Associates Degree in Business that helped him with the various businesses he was in which included: a dairy farm, laying hens, construction, cows, hay, grocery store, etc. But, it was his love of people that truly made him successful! Most notably, Mr. Palmer owned Palmer’s Grocery Feed and Seed in Hallsville which also included a nursery and anything else anyone might need, including Phillips 66 gasoline.  It was at Palmer’s Grocery that he eventually met, fell in love with, and went on to marry, Elaine Tompkins Palmer, the love of his life in Upshur County on November 2, 1990 whom he is survived by. 

Mr. Palmer is also survived by his children; Anita Bridges and husband Robert "Smokey", Gene Palmer, Jr., and Lora Allen and husband Bill; along with his wife’s children; Benjamin Johnson and wife Shannon, Brandon Johnson, Elizabeth Faulkner and husband Chris; son-in-law Robert “Doogle” Summers; fifteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends.

A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.haggardfuneralhome.com