Charles Francis Palmer

Charles Francis Palmer was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Paul D. and Frances S. Palmer on October 12, 1934. He died June 6, 2025. After completing high school at Central Catholic in Pittsburgh, he studied at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Upon graduation in 1956, he entered the United States Navy.

Assigned to serve as Ensign aboard the U.S.S. Hank, a destroyer, he enjoyed three years aboard her. He made three Mediterranean cruises, finally serving as Gunnery officer. Chuck, as he was known, loved the Hank, every inch of her.

During his time on the Hank, while she was undergoing repair in Portsmouth, Virginia, he met a young school teacher, Sarah; they married in 1959. They went to California; where he taught R.O.T.C. classes for the Navy at U.C.L.A. Here he learned to like teaching and was promoted to Lieutenant.

After a time serving as an industrial engineer, Chuck studied economics at Temple University followed by several years at Virginia Tech, where he obtained his Ph.D. in economics. He happily taught economics at Wilmington College in Ohio and Wingate University in North Carolina, where he also served as Dean of the School of Business. He also served on the Board of Trustees of South Piedmont Community College.

Chuck and Sarah have three children, Charles, Jr. (Susan), Paul David Palmer and James Nathan Palmer (Amy), of whom he could not be more proud, and to whom he was a wonderful father. He loved following their adventures and careers and enjoyed their children. His grandchildren are Charles Palmer, III, now at Penn (Sarah), Thomas Palmer of New York City, Sarah Palmer Strasser (Wesley) of Greenville, SC, Matthew Palmer (Kelsey) of Chicago, Frances Palmer of San Diego, Samuel Palmer and Zoe Palmer of Philadelphia. The latest addition to the family, great-granddaughter, Robin Noel Palmer, resides with her parents, Charlie and Sarah.

Chuck had three siblings. Don, the oldest, has passed away, and Chuck is survived by his sister, Patricia Schimmel of Pittsburgh and his brother, George Palmer of Florida and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a memorial service for Chuck at his church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Monroe, NC at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the Palmer family.