Gordon Allen Palmer, known affectionately as Gordy, passed away peacefully at his home in Bland, Virginia on October 21, 2023, at the age of 85. He was born on April 23, 1938 in Bishop, Virginia.

Gordy was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a warm and welcoming personality, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Gordy had a great sense of humor and was known for his funny jokes and stories that he shared with everyone he met. He was a loyal and generous friend, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gordy is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Rita Shrader Palmer; his daughters, Kelly Conrad and Jennifer Heatherington and son-in-law, Tim Heatherington; grandchildren, Declan Heatherington, Carys Heatherington, Lydia Santillan and Natalie Conrad. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Chuck (Ronnie) Shrader, Tom Shrader and sister-in-law, Joyce Shrader; six nieces and nephews and seven great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Harry Palmer, mother Gertrude Robinson Palmer, brothers Glenn Palmer, Gerald Palmer and sister Judy Miller.

Gordy graduated from Tazewell High School in 1956. He then went on to serve in the U.S. Navy as an Air Traffic Controller for 26 years, reaching the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. During his military career, Gordy served at several Naval Air Stations including NAS Oceana, VA; NAS Brunswick, GA; NAS Adak, AK; NAS Cecil Field, FL and NAS Jacksonville, FL as well as aboard the aircraft carriers, the USS Constellation and USS Saratoga.

After retiring from the Navy, Gordy served as a Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control Instructor in Hilliard, FL for 15 years. He was well-liked by his students and highly respected for his expertise and dedication in his field.

In addition to his Naval career and time with the FAA, Gordy was proud to be a Mason for over 56 years. He was a devoted member of more than one lodge as he moved across the country with the Navy and was most recently active in the Bland Lodge AF & AM # 206 in Bland, VA where he enjoyed spending time with his lodge brothers and helping new initiates.

In his free time, Gordy enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, boating, gardening and taking on mechanical or construction projects to improve his family's quality of life. He had a passion for helping others and cherished spending time with his friends.

A visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the Highland Bland Funeral Chapel on Main Street, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m., conducted by Reverend Darlene Marshall. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Gordy's memory be made to the Bland United Methodist Church.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Highland Bland Funeral Chapel, Bland, VA for their assistance during this difficult time.