Willard Bernard Palmer

Mr. Willard Bernard Palmer, age 75, a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at his residence.

Mr. Palmer, and his twin brother Millard, were born in Clarksville, GA on June 22, 1947 to the late Elmer L. Palmer and Alice Durham Riggens. He grew up in Clarksville, Georgia, and, after graduating from South Habersham High School, enlisted in the United States Army on April 1, 1966 where he proudly served his country. The United States Army recognized Willard for his honorable service during the Vietnam War. 

After the war, Willard returned home and later married Christa Lederer of Schwabach, Germany on February 14, 1976; they shared 47 years of marriage. Together they built a life in Banks County, GA while raising their daughters, Angie and Missy. Willard moved his family to Gwinnett County in the late ‘90s to start his successful construction business.

Willard and his wife Christa had a passion for ministry and established Harvest Christian International to support mission work in South Africa. They also loved traveling to South Africa, Canada, Germany and around the US to share their faith and visit friends and family. Willard participated in a local veteran prayer group that met weekly at their local Chick-fil-A.

To know Willard was to love him. He never met a stranger, always had a story to tell, and unashamedly shared the gospel with anyone who would listen. He loved the Georgia Bulldogs, and was thrilled to see them win back to back national championships. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada and spending time with his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He was generous in deed and often supported those in need. His life truly reflected Christ.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Alice, and siblings, Millard Lamar Palmer, Michael Palmer, and Douglas Palmer.

He is survived by his wife, Christa Palmer, children Angie Palmer Cooper (Brian) of Colorado Springs, CO and Missy Palmer Purcell (Mark) of Lilburn, GA. Grandchildren Austin Grantham (28) (Lindsay), Braden Cooper (23), Bryce Cooper (20), Harrison Purcell (16), William Purcell (15), and Matthew Purcell (11).

A celebration of life will be held at Futures Church, formerly Influencers Church, 2838 Duluth Hwy, Duluth, GA 30096 at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Pastor Michael Leavell & Pastor Craig Gober will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 is in charge of arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com for the Palmer family.