Eddie Robert Palmer

 

Eddie Robert Palmer, age 78, of Hiawassee, Ga passed away on Sunday, July 30,
2023. Eddie was a beloved husband, father, and friend to many. He was born to the late
Donald and Blanche (Hogsed) Palmer on March 6,1945 in Fontana Dam, North
Carolina.
Eddie lived in Atlanta for several years where he met and married Lois Nicholson on
February 5, 1966. He was drafted into the United States Army. While in the Army, he
served on the DMZ 38th Parallel in Korea. Upon moving back to Hiawassee, Eddie
operated the Enota Restaurant in downtown Hiawassee for several years where he
provided wonderful food and service to so many and building a large friend base in the
process. After the restaurant closed, Eddie became employed by the United States
Postal Service as a Rural Letter Carrier in Hiawassee. While on his daily route, he
always enjoyed seeing and talking to his many customers and especially loved giving
lollipops to the children along the way. A dedicated professional, Eddie excelled in his
career and earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. His determination and
work ethic were an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Eddie retired from the Postal Service with over 30 years of service.
Eddie was also involved in the Towns County Fire Department where he served as
Station Captain of Station 3 on Fodder Creek. He was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief
of Towns County. Eddie had many connections with other larger departments that were
willing to donate to smaller departments. He arranged for a trip to Tampa/St. Pete, FL to
pick up a truck that was fully stocked with many tools, nozzles, and equipment that at
the time were very valuable to a small department such as Towns County was back then.
Eddie’s time with his precious daughter, ShawnRhea, was cut short due to her death
from a rare cancer when she had just turned 12 years old. In spite of this, Eddie lived a
life filled with passion, purpose, and love. He touched the hearts of those around him
with his genuine kindness, contagious laughter, and unwavering support. Eddie was a
devoted family man, cherishing every moment spent with his wife, Lois. They enjoyed
traveling and camping all over the country, including Alaska. He had a zest for life and
was always ready to embark on new adventures, making friends wherever he went.
In his free time, Eddie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and rock hunting. He also had a great
love for gun smithing and was fortunate enough to have learned gun smithing
techniques from Frank Stahlkuppe. Frank taught Eddie to be an accomplished gun
smith working on the guns of many people in the community. He was also instrumental
in helping set up the gun range on Owl Creek Road.
Eddie's compassionate nature extended beyond his immediate circle, as he often
volunteered his time to help those in need. Having been a member of Macedonia
Baptist Church since 1987, he was very active and loved working with the youth group
in the Royal Ambassadors program.

He is preceded in death by his above named parents; daughter ShawnRhea Palmer;
sisters Carolyn Palmer and Kathryn Palmer.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lois Nicholson Palmer; foster daughters Debbie
(David) Phillips, Connie (Scott) Farist; son Shane (Stephanie) Gore; close friend Dennis
Williams; foster grandchildren Eli and Zoe Phillips, Brandon (Tara) Walls, Crystal Carter;
Joshua and Kaden Gore. A number of other relatives and friends also survive.
Eddie will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love and joy he brought into
the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 2 PM at Macedonia Baptist
Church in Hiawassee, GA
Banister-Cooper Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Eddie Palmer.

Visitation: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 5:00-8:00pm at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home.