Robert Palmer

Mr. Robert C. Palmer, 81, of Benbrook Texas,  passed from this eternal life on April 9, 2023 with Linda, his wife of 56 years, and family by his side.

Robert was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina on April 29, 1941 to Mr. William Fred and Mary Elsie Palmer. He graduated from Rock Hill High School in 1959 and soon after joined the United States Marine Corps and completed basic training at Parris Island, S.C. and then was stationed at Camp Lejune, N.C.  After serving a deployment as a fleet Marine to Japan he returned home and completed his service in 1963.  Robert returned to Rock Hill after his discharge, where he assisted his parents at the family jewelry store until after his father's passing.  During this time he met Winthrop student Linda Lane and began a courtship that lasted for the next 56 years and his passing.

Robert worked for various construction firms during this time and in 1966 his first son, Robert Calvin Palmer II, was born.  Shortly after "little" Robert's birth, "Big" Robert would go to work for Duke Energy in construction of various nuclear power plants. In 1971 a second son, William Fred Palmer was born. Robert and Linda made their home wherever the work was so, that eventually meant a move to Denver, North Carolina and then in 1981 a huge move to Granbury, Texas to continue his career in construction for Piping Design Services and then Bechtel Engineering. Robert eventually moved out of the construction industry as a QC/QA Specialist and moved to Katy, Texas to continue working for Bechtel. In 1995 Robert accepted his final job with Alcon Labs which brought him back to North Texas and Benbrook. Robert retired from Alcon Labs in 2011 and soon after he and Linda began to travel and see family and friends in all areas of the country.

Robert lead a long life of service to his fellow man. Robert is a former Master Mason and Shriner who served the children of the Seneca, South Carolina area during his years there. As his sons got older, he transitioned to being a Scout Leader and youth sports coach to be engaged with his family. In 1999 Robert continued that service and was ordained as a Deacon in the Antiochian Orthodox Church. He served as a Deacon at St. Peters Antiochian Orthodox Church in Fort Worth and at Saints Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church in Dallas. Robert took the title of Deacon George upon his ordination and was later elevated to Protodeacon and he continued in service till his passing. Robert and Linda were also very involved with the Benbrook Police Department's Citizen's on Patrol Program for many years, as another way of supporting and serving the community.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Fred Palmer; brothers, Douglas Palmer of Washington, and Francis Clarke Palmer of South Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Linda of Benbrook; sons, Robert C. Palmer II (Jackie) of Mt. Vernon, and William Fred Palmer (Dawn) of Katy.  He was blessed with eight grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren; and is also survived by his large number of brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, in numerous states.

Visitation: 5-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 18th at Winscott Road Funeral Home. Funeral service: 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 19th at Saints Constantine and Helen Antiochian Orthodox Church in Carrollton, Texas. Interment with military honors: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 20th at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Victoria Palmer, Jordan Newcome, Helen Pepas, Zachary Palmer, Sydnie Palmer Lauw, and Joseph Pepas.

Memorials: The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots, the Saints Constantine and Helen Antiochian Orthodox Church Memorial Fund, the Saint Peter’s Antiochian Orthodox Church Memorial Fund, or the Benbrook Police Officer’s  Association.