James Lawson Palmer

Dr. James Lawson Palmer, 95 went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, May 23, 2020.  James was born September 9, 1924, in Trion, GA, to the late William and Fannie Palmer.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served in World War II with the Seabees in the South Pacific Theatre.  James received his Masters in Music from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  He became a born again Christian March 21, 1948 and served in music ministry for 63 years in many Baptist churches in the states of Texas, West Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.  James served as principal of 3 different Christian schools and was the head of the music department at Tennessee Temple College from 1961 through 1971, where he organized and directed the Weigle Singers for eight years. In his free time, James enjoyed studying the Bible, reading, fishing, gardening, song writing, and was a diehard UT Volunteer fan.  He will be remembered as a caring, loving, passionate, humorous, and influential person touching the lives of many.

James was preceded in death by the love of his life of 72 years, Eula Eslinger Palmer.  He was also preceded in death by three brothers, four sisters and one great grandson.

Survivors are his daughters, Judy (Corky) Owens, Chickamauga, Peggy (Wally) Davis, (Cincinnati); sister, Patricia Houston;  grandchildren, Jeff (Cheryl) Owens, Rick (Brenda) Owens, A’Linda (Bob) Beebe, Melissa (Scott) Williams, Kristina (Shannon) Wesley and 14 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services celebrating and honoring the life of  Dr. James Palmer will take place 3 PM, Saturday, May 30th, 2020 in the funeral home chapel with Paul Crosson officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy.  Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family and view the online memorial tribute.

The family will receive friends Saturday, 1-3 PM, May 30th, at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway. 

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