William Clinton Palmer

William Clinton (Clint) Palmer, of Leeds, local business owner for 46 years died August 5, 2012 at the age of 82. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife Jean, the love of his life for over 60 years. He is also survived by his son Jeff Palmer (Becky), his daughter Libby Wood (Alan), grandchildren, Mike Palmer (Tiffany), John Palmer (Molly), Chris Palmer, Eric Wood (Ashley), Beth Furr (Parrish), great-grandchildren, Peyton, Preston and Parker Palmer, Mason and Lucy Palmer, Lawson and Amelia Wood, Cameron and Brantly Furr and sister Joyce Cruce. Mr. Palmer was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph A. Palmer and Lucy Bet DeShazo Palmer, Brothers, Gene and Lynn Palmer, sisters Faye Simpson and Dot Wright.

Mr. Palmer was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church and Charles Sheppards Sunday School Class. Mr. Palmer served our country in the Korean Conflict with the U. S. Army. He was an avid Nascar fan, following the sport for over 60 years. For many years, he and his wife Jean traveled to races all over the country in their motor home, making friends with many of the race car drivers, often having them over for dinner or a cookout in the motor home. They enjoyed worshiping with the drivers on Sunday mornings before each race.

Mr. Palmer worked many years for J. Truitt Payne. In 1966 he and his brother Gene opened Palmer Brothers Auto Service on 6th Avenue South in Birmingham. In 1968 he and brother Gene started Palmer Brothers Auto Parts, an auto salvage yard on Ruffner Road in Irondale. In 1973, Mr. Palmer started Clint Palmer Auto Parts with his son, Jeff. When his brother Gene retired, he acquired Palmer Brothers Auto again which is presently owned and operated by his daughter, Libby Wood. Mr. Palmer loved his work and built his reputation on honesty, fairness, good character, and a strong work ethic. He brought his son, daughter and grandchildren into the family business. Mr. Palmer retired in 2008, but continued to go to his business one or two days a week.

He was always eager to help the less fortunate. Many times opening the drink and candy machines at the business for children to “help themselves.” He and his wife sponsored Children’s International and St. Jude Hospital for many years.

He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. He made a difference in the lives of so many. His legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6 PM until 8 PM at Cedar Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday, August 7, 2012.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 11 AM at Cedar Grove Baptist Church with burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Cedar Grove Baptist Church, St. Jude Hospital or Children’s International.

Visit online at www.kilgroefuneralhome.com

Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directing.