Rickey Lee Palmer

Rickey Lee Palmer, 62, of Fayetteville, NC died Friday, September 3, 2021 at Womack Army Medical Center. Rick was born March 6, 1959 in Cambridge, England to Elizabeth ‟Liz” Mary Iseli and the late Gary Anthony Palmer (Palmisano).

Rick began his adult life by enlisting in the US Army where he served as a PFC / Paratrooper / Infantryman. While serving he earned the Parachute Badge, the Marksman Badge M-16, and the Marksman Badge Hand Grenade. After an Honorable Discharge from the Army, he explored various passions and occupations as a photographer, insurance salesman, Taekwondo instructor, and UPS driver. He found a real purpose at Hobbit Hobby Shop where he spent more than thirty years as the General Manager. Rick loved helping customers and developed many deep and lasting friendships. As someone with the heart of a teacher, and love for children, it is no surprise that he spent his ‟Day Off” as a PE Teacher at Rockfish Christian Academy.

Above all the titles he held, the most prestigious of these was ‟Gramps”. He doted on all of his grandchildren; Emily Sharon Palmer, Sidney Marion Palmer, Anthony Deandre Concepcion, Christopher Lee Concepcion Jr., Eden Mariana Concepcion & Gregorio Immanuel Concepcion. Each one of them was a special ‟Toad”. He sought to instill in them a zest for life, a commitment to family and friends, and the power of a smile. They will carry his love, morals, lessons, and memories throughout all of their lives.

Rick was a devoted husband of forty years to Angela Sharon Palmer. He regularly stated ‟I don’t know how I got so lucky”. He was also a loving daddy to his adopted fur-son Max.

Rick was a man who never met a stranger. No matter how he felt or what he was going through, he always looked for the positives in life. Every day he was thankful for his blessings, and for the ability to look in the mirror and say ‟I am happy. I am healthy. I am terrific”. His laughter and smile were contagious. His hugs made all life’s problems melt away in a moment. His signature phrase ‟Love You, Mean It” will resonate in the family for years to come.

Rick was a child at heart who lived with a greater imagination and thirst for knowledge than most. He was a master model craftsman (self-proclaimed and acknowledged by his peers) and a master procrastinator. Rick held a plethora of knowledge on a multitude of subjects, but had an extreme passion for history. He was always willing to share his knowledge or opinion and open to healthy conversation.

Along with his father, Rick is preceded in death by two of his brothers, Michael L. Palmer and Raymond L. Palmer; his sister, Sharon L. Palmer, and one of his grandsons, Ayden Angel Concepcion.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Angela Sharon Palmer, of the home; his son, Michael Palmer (Christine), of Columbus, MS; his daughter, Brynn Palmer Concepcion, of Fayetteville, NC; his mother Elizabeth ‟Liz” Mary Iseli (Keith), of Greenville, SC; his brother, Larry Palmer (Matt), of Springfield, IL; his mother-n-law, Shirley Hales (Roland), of Grifton, NC; his father-n-law, Billy M. Leggett (Sherrie), of Fayetteville, NC; his six grandchildren; and a host of extended family members and friends.

Per Rick’s request there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers the family ask that you consider making a charitable donation to Fayetteville Animal Protection Society or Cumberland County Animal Shelter in Rick’s honor.

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