Mack Clinton Palmer passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Winter Park, Florida, at the age of 85.
He is survived by his “bride” of 59 years, Dorothy Watson Palmer; his daughter, Anna Palmer Darkes (Brian); and his brother, Wayne Palmer (Jean), along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carolyn Palmer Duncan.
Mack was born on June 6, 1938, at home in Shackleville, Alabama, to J.E. (“Buster”) and Glennie Harrison Palmer. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1956 and went to work for the Pensacola News Journal the following year. He married Dorothy Watson in 1964, welcomed daughter Anna Marie in 1967, and graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in accounting in 1971.
In 1972, the family moved to Orlando where Mack began a 35-year career with the Internal Revenue Service. He earned a master’s degree in management from Rollins College in 1976. He frequently served as an instructor, co-authored a training manual, and was a group manager for several years before returning to a position as a field agent. At his retirement in 2007, he was roasted but also honored as “an agent’s agent” who, in the words of one colleague, “made all of us better at our jobs.”
Throughout his life, Mack was known for his sense of humor. Often, there would be a mischievous sparkle in his eyes, and his wide grin would burst into a big laugh that made you want to laugh, too.
Celebrations of Life are scheduled for 11 a.m. on September 9, 2023, in Greenville, Alabama, at Sherling Lake Park, and 5 p.m. on September 22, 2023, in Orlando, Florida, at Second Harvest Food Bank, where he served on the first board of directors. Light meals will be served at each event.