William Joseph Palmer

William Joseph Palmer, 78, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2018 after a long illness. He was born in Uvalda, Georgia on December, 28, 1939. He graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 1957 and continued his education earning his Bachelor’s degree.

He was predeceased by his father and mother, Otto and Cora Palmer; an older brother, Robert; his first wife, Rachel; and grandson, Joey. He is survived by wife, Melba; daughters, Becky (Joe), Karen (Tim), and step-daughters, Susanne and Pam (Timothy). He has six grandchildren and 3 step grandchildren; brother, Paul (Sue); nieces and nephews.

He was a member of First Christian Church, Mandarin, where he served as an Elder. Began his Fire Service Career as a member of the Riverview Volunteer Fire Department, where he was stationed at Old Station 24 in the early 1960’s. He was hired by the Jacksonville Fire Department, September 13,1963 and later retired from the Jacksonville Fire-Rescue Division September 13,1995 after accruing 32 Years of service. During his years on the JFRD, Bill held EMT and Paramedic certifications from the State of Florida and rose to the rank of Captain in the Rescue Division. Bill also held a teaching certificate and had affiliations with Florida Junior College at Jacksonville and St. Augustine Vocational Institute instructing students in EMS and Fire Service skills. Late in the 1980’s Captain Palmer along with several senior members of the Fire-Rescue Division. He later established the JEMA (Jacksonville Emergency Medical Auxiliary) organization. JEMA provided manpower and support for sports and recreation functions throughout the city. Bill was the Coordinator of JEMA for many years, and as the Unit Captain on Rescue 4, He was in charge of the primary training Unit for Medical Auxiliary students. His leadership was essential to the training and mentoring of future EMT’s and Paramedics. Bill also was a proud member, serving in the United States Coast Guard from 1957-1969.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, February 9, 2018 with a visitation at 10am, and funeral service at 11am at First Christian Church of Jacksonville, 11924 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32223. Interment will follow at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32207. Friends and family are invited to a reception in his honor, immediately following interment, at First Christian Church of Jacksonville, 11924 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32223. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Community Hospice and Palliative Care or The American Cancer Society.

Please sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd. is serving the family