George William Palmer

Mr. George William Palmer, age 82 of Waverly, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville after battling cancer. He was born on January 19, 1944, to George D. and Bertha Ada C. Palmer of Gallatin, TN. George married Patricia Eleanor Crum on July 21, 1963, in Cambridge, Ohio. 

For over 50 years, George brought practical knowledge and steady leadership to his work. He began his career in Ohio in 1962, working for Tennessee Gas, RCA, National Gypsum, and Columbia Gas. He later joined Honeywell Inc., where he spent 40 years working in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Georgia before retiring in 2013 in Tennessee. George had a gift for understanding how things worked and how to work with people. People sought George’s counsel because he was a leader who truly cared. 

George always had a boat ready for the next adventure. Whether skiing, fishing, or simply cruising, he loved the lakes of Minnesota. If something was broken, George could probably fix it. An accomplished singer, George had a love for gospel music, country music, and hymns. 

2013 was a milestone year for George—it was the year he retired, and the year he received a kidney transplant from Sylvianna Esquibel of Albuquerque, NM. George loved her like family. Her gift gave him thirteen more years to fix things, serve the Lord, and be with those he loved. 

George put his faith to work. He served as an elder for 14 years at the Piedmont Road Church of Christ in Marietta, GA. When he and Pat moved to Tennessee, he picked up where he left off, teaching Bible classes, and since January 2019 serving as an elder at the Waverly Church of Christ. He remained dedicated to his responsibilities until the very end, signing church documents on the day he passed. 

Above all, family meant the world to George. Married to Pat for 62 years, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He created wonderful memories with annual vacations and spontaneous road trips. George leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and heartfelt service to the Lord. His devotion will forever resonate in the lives of those who had the privilege to know him. 

Visitation in Tennessee is scheduled on Thursday, March 12 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, with funeral services to follow at the Waverly Church of Christ in Waverly, TN. Brother Jeff Keele will be officiating. 

Visitation in Ohio is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 10:00 to 11:00 am, with a service to follow at Watters Funeral Home in Woodsfield. Brother Rodney Bettinger will be officiating.

Interment will be at the Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ in Graysville, Ohio. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Waverly Church of Christ. 

Waverly Church of Christ, 438 West Main Street, Waverly, TN 37185 (931) 296-3213 

Watters Funeral Home, 37501 State Route 78 West, Woodsfield, OH 43793 (740) 472-1440 

Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ, 38838 Pleasant Ridge Road, Graysville, OH 45734 

Survivors: 

Loving Wife of 62 years:

   Pat Crum Palmer of Waverly, TN 

Son: 

   Ken Palmer (Felicia) of Franklin, TN 

Daughter-in-law: 

   Becky Palmer Walker of Washington State

Brother: 

   Steve Palmer (Donna) of Wisconsin 

Sister: 

   Betty Nelson of Hendersonville, TN 

Grandchildren: 

   Michael William Palmer (Kristina), Kathryn Marie Palmer 

   George Robert Palmer, Mary Naomi Palmer and Mirasta Ruth Palmer 

Preceded in death by: 

Parents: George D. Palmer and Bertha Ada Catherine Proctor Palmer 

Son: Philip William Palmer

Tennessee arrangements by Humphreys County Funeral Home, (931) 296-5955 

Ohio arrangements by Watters Funeral Home, (740) 472-1440