Robert Stephen Palmer, 77, of Siler City passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018 after battling lung cancer. Steve was the son of James O. and Nellie Hucks Palmer of Sanford. He was a graduate of Sanford Central High School, Class of 1959, having played basketball and baseball during his high school years. He attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the Freshman Baseball team. He was a lifelong Tarheel fan. Steve was a Vietnam Veteran, having served with the 25th Infantry Division of the US Army. After he returned from Vietnam he was stationed at Fort Bragg as a Civil Affairs officer at the Kennedy Special Warfare School. He earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Upon leaving the Army, Steve began a successful sales career, having worked for General Parts, Inc (Carquest) as a regional sales manager, Harry Comer & Associates, and as an independent contractor. Steve was forced into early retirement due to chronic health conditions, but this led to part-time work with the Siler City Moose Lodge, where he cultivated many lasting friendships. Steve was also a past board member of the Siler City Country Club. Steve enjoyed spending his free time on the golf course and watching sporting events on tv.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Laura Kay Palmer Shepherd.
Steve is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy Andrews Palmer; daughter, Allison Palmer of Siler City; sons, Jay Palmer (Katie) of Siler City, Ryan Palmer (Carissa) of Wilmington, and Rick Palmer (Sarah) of Southern Pines; grandchildren Claire, Collin, Caroline, Savannah, Richard, and Kendall (Eric); step-grandchildren, Caleb, Oran, and Ava; sisters, Pat Sprouse (Kenneth Ray, Jr.) and Sue Bailey (Gordon); brother-in-law, Robert Andrews (Jane); sister-in-law, Claudia Mace; nieces, Katherine Wheby (Munsey) and Susanne Heins (Ned), Andrea Mace; great nieces, Margaret and Campbell Wheby, Bailey Heins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to American Legion Post 93, P. O. Box 442, Siler City or the Boys & Girls Club of Central Carolina at Wren Family Center, 126 South Sixth Avenue, Siler City.
The family will receive friends Friday, December 7, 2018 at the Siler City First United Methodist Church, 1101 West Raleigh Street, Siler City from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. The funeral will be Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist with Rev. Carl Belcher officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Siler City.
Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.pugh funeralhome.com.