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William Palmer Obituary
January 23, 1936 - July 19, 2025
23 January 1936 William Lea Palmer was born to Yates Shuford Palmer M.D. and Lillian Allen Wrigglesworth Palmer, R.N. of Valdese, N.C..
06 June 1955 He graduated from Asheville School, Asheville, N.C., and in September entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
19 February 1959 William L. Palmer joined the North Carolina National Guard, graduated from Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning, Ga., and commissioned 06 October 1961 as an Infantry Officer.
He was an Airborne ranger qualified as a Special Forces Officer and a Pathfinder with interest in health sustaining activities, volunteer service (Habitat for Humanity International) and extensive travel.
Awards and Decorations include: The Combat Infantryman's Badge, Silver Star, Bronze Star (1 "V" devise & 5 oak leaf clusters), Purple Heart, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star (twice awarded).
Colonel Palmer retired 19 April 1991.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill '59, '62 AB (chemistry) where he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon, Gorgon's Head Lodge, and served as a member of the UNC Board of Visitors June 1994 to April 1997.
05 April 2002 at Fort Benning, Ga., Colonel Palmer was inducted into the US Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Honor.
Heritage Funeral Service
1507 Main St. E, Valdese, NC 28690
Memories and Condolences
for William Palmer
Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory - Valdese.
Albert L. Roper
December 18, 2025
What a Friend and Mentor as a fraternity Brother At DKE, UNC. I so enjoyed his travelogues of Europe and the US. His goal was to visit every American graveyard and War Memorial he could. His brother "Pig Palmer" and I talked about him in Beaufort NC last year. So did Donnie Cobb and I in Raleigh. Great memories to dampen the sorrow of his loss . Dr Al
Alison Mintz
August 27, 2025
Nick was a great cousin who never missed a Memorial or Reunion unless he was off on an adventure. He loved to discuss family history with his relations. He will be missed by Elliott family especially.
Emil Cekada
August 22, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear about Nick's passing.......
Emil Cekada
Asheville School Class of 55
Bryan Keefer
August 11, 2025
I had the privilege of knowing Nick for the last 25 years. He came to us as a customer and quickly became our friend. His accomplishments, adventures and travel in "retirement" will doubtless leave many ashamed for squandering the amazing opportunities that life offers.
He played foreign correspondent many times over the years, updating us on petrol prices, the general goings-on and the amazing people and scenery of countless countries over the years. Decades later, I still share his stories from his amazing ride across Australia, recalling the pictures of the biggest rig I have ever seen and his time in the St. Petersburg tunnel where a pickpocket snagged one of his USB drives replete with photos from the trip. In a time before smartphones and cloud storage, almost anyone else would have been absolutely devastated, but not Nick. The consummate soldier on a mission, he always brought backup and that pickpocket missed the second USB drive tucked away with a fully copy of everything he lost.
I knew he was a decorated and accomplished soldier but, true to his humble nature, he never bragged about his many commendations. I am not surprised and will forever be humbled by the great man that I was lucky enough to meet one fateful summer day in South Georgia.
Rest in peace, Nick.
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Don Peach Sr.
August 5, 2025
I Miss You My Friend.
Don Peach Sr.
Don Peach Sr.
August 4, 2025
I will miss you my good friend. RIP
Phil and Mary Ruth Blackwell Coleman
August 4, 2025
Nick was a dear friend over 50+ years. We always enjoyed his visits and time with him. He was know as "gentleman Nick" to his Airborne comrades because of his understated manner and self-effacing nature. Many never knew of all that he accomplished. He commanded the Buprang Special Forces camp in 1969 which resulted in a silver star, bronze star for valor, a purple heart, and a personal letter of commendation from then President Nixon. He then served with the 173rd and following that with the ARVN Airborne as a senior advisor. We will miss you, Nick! Phil and Mary Ruth Coleman
Mike
August 4, 2025
Chris Pasch
August 2, 2025
Nick and I met when he was serving in Special Forces at Fort Nick and I met when he served in Special
Forces at Fort Bragg, NC. He will always hold a special spot in my heart as my dear friend. Rest in peace Dear Nick.
Dave Pope
August 1, 2025
Nick started coming to me for his computer issues about 12 yrs ago. As time went on I realized just what a special person Mr. Palmer was. Nick I'm going to miss all the great conversations we had about all your travels and Carolina Tarheels Sports.
Roscoe Heyman
July 29, 2025
Served with the Colonel in Vietnam in the 173d Airborne. Fine man. Fine officer. Rest in Peace, Sir.
Rene Macare
July 28, 2025
My condolences to the family and may you rest in peace Sky Soldier!
Glenda Fesperman
July 28, 2025
I met Nick in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina in Vancleave, Ms when his Soecial Forces unit had a group there to help with storm damage and I was there with a smaller group for the same. The guys adopted me in their work team as the 12th "man" and I worked with them for a week. I have been named Honorary Col of the SF unit and attend the annual reunion each year in Charlotte! Nick has been a good friend over these years and it was always a pleasure to see him at events. He will be greatly missed! He was a fine person! "HUD Honey" Glenda
Randy & Jennie Palmer Bost
July 27, 2025
We will miss you cousin Nick. When we´re fortunate to see and greet one another, it was with a smile and hug. Our prayers for the family.
William Albracht
July 25, 2025
Nic was the Commanding Office during the siege of the Special Forces camp at Bu Prang in Vietnam in 1969. I was his Exec Off. Nick was a rock and well respected by all that were under him as well as all that supported us. I feel fortunate that he was my CO, he was my mentor and friend. I will miss him.
Marla McRary
July 24, 2025
Nick was one of our Knobbies (Knob Mountain Motorcycle Chapter). He was a great rider and a valued member of our club. He will be sorely missed. Our sincerest condolences to his family.
Kenneth Chester
July 24, 2025
I've only known you for about 7 years, but you and I always had great conversations when you came to pick up the mail at the post office. I salute you Colonel Palmer you will be missed by many especially the crew at the valdese post office. SIP
Tracy Crump
July 24, 2025
He was a customer at Valdese Post Office for all of my 35 years. Enjoyed having him as a customer and a friend. Sorry to hear of his passing
Cathy Vaughan
July 24, 2025
Enjoyed hearing about his travels with his motorcycle.
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