Photo courtesy of Waller-Thornton Funeral Home - Huntsville, LLP
Huntsville, Texas
Sep 15, 1963 – Mar 23, 2025
Gregory James Palma was born on September 15, 1963 in San Francisco, California to Jose Palma and Dalisay Cruz. He was the middle of three children, all of whom were boys.
Jose, Dalisay and sons settled in San Francisco's East Bay, where Gregory attended primary and middle school and graduated high school from American High School in Fremont, California in 1982.
Shortly after graduating high school, Gregory served as a service technician for Livermore-based Gillig Corporation, servicing the fleet for bus transit systems nationwide. In addition, he was a Snap-On Tools franchise owner servicing the Bay Area and surrounding regions. A union electrician by trade, Gregory was skilled in all things electrical and mechanical, and taught those close to him such skills.
On February 25, 2000, Gregory became a father to twins, Travis James and Lauren Elizabeth. Travis and Lauren were Gregory's pride and joy- as he enjoyed being a parent, making memories with his children and watching them grow.
In his spare time, Gregory enjoyed playing golf and took pride in being a jack-of-all-trades, from fixing car engines to being a handyman around the house. He was also a "cowboy at heart" and enjoyed attending rodeos with his friends and family and riding his motorcycle around his town of Livermore, California, where he met his life partner, Melissa Mellor-Ruth, in 2014.
In 2021, Gregory and Melissa (along with Melissa's family) relocated to Huntsville, Texas, where they settled on a ranch raising all sorts of farm animals to include goats, cows, horses, and more.
Gregory James Palma died in Conroe, Texas on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at the age of 61. He is survived by his partner, Melissa Mellor-Ruth; son, Travis James (Briana Bermudez); daughter, Lauren Elizabeth; father, Jose Palma; and brother, George Palma. He is preceded in death by mother, Dalisay Cruz Palma and brother, Jeffrey Joseph Palma.
A Catholic mass in honor of Gregory will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, California 94536. Immediately following the mass, an inurnment will take place at noon at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, California 94544.
Read MoreGreg. I am so honored to have met you ! Through family events, you were a happy person and you will be missed. I know you are with our Lord now having a wonderful time!! Will see you again ❤
Gricelda Magallon
April 22, 2025 | Delhi, CA | Friend
I only knew Greg for a few years but long enough to know that he was a fine man who I was proud to call a friend. I miss him already.
Earl A. Carter
March 28, 2025 | Huntsville, TX | Neighbor
I just heard about Greg’s passing from George, and the memories came flooding back. Although I met the Palma’s in 1987, they quickly became best friends and then like family. Greg was always an older brother and mentor to those of us a few years younger. We looked up to him when he was the first to buy a house in Dublin and quickly became the go-to for weekend BBQ’s. We were softball teammates and although he thought he should be #4 in the line up, he only had Warning Track power! As we grew...
Robert Sanchez
March 28, 2025 | Coolidge, AZ | Friend
Greg. I am so very honored to have met you ! I will miss you. I know you are with our Lord now having a wonderful time!! Will see you again ❤
Londa Rutledge
March 28, 2025 | Huntsville, TX | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marvin Family
March 25, 2025 | HUNTSVILLE, TX
