Palmer, James Earl

James Earl Palmer, 87, of Pulaski, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2014. He was born on January 15, 1927, in Pulaski, Va., the son of the late Jefferson Davis Palmer and Mary Shinault Palmer.

James is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Irene Akers Palmer. Additionally, he is survived by four children, Sandra Higgins and husband, George, Suzette Byrd and husband, Bob, Randy Palmer and partner, Rita Heinrich, and Reggie Palmer and wife, Margo. James also leaves behind seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

James was a veteran having served in the United States Army in Japan. James retired from Kroger as a store manager in 1982 and fully enjoyed his retirement. He was an avid fisherman and enthusiastic football fan.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2014, from the Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. George Higgins officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the service hour from the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin with VFW Post #1184 conducting Military Graveside Rites.

Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va., 540-980-2600.