Deacon Frederick “Freddie” James Palmer

 

     Frederick James Palmer, affectionately known to family and friends as, “Freddie”, was born in Galveston, Texas on March 6, 1948, to Will and Ella Palmer. He was a lifelong resident of Dickinson, Texas, growing up with his four brothers and five sisters.

     Freddie was a student in the Dickinson Independent School District throughout his educational instruction. He was a proud 1966 graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.  During his high school years, Freddie’s personality shone brightly. His love for learning was often paired with humor and a playful spirit that made him well-liked among his classmates.

     While his growing popularity brought smiles at school, it occasionally led to parent-teacher conferences and school visits at home moments that were far less amusing than the stories behind them.

     While attending high school, Freddie was actively involved in several extracurricular activities, most notably earning the honor of becoming a member of the prestigious Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Choir, an experience he treasured deeply.

     Even in his later years, as his health began to decline, music remained close to Freddie’s heart.  He could still sing many of those songs. Remarkably, his memory held every school fight song ever written, a testament to his enduring love for music and his school.

     Freddie had a style all his own and wore it well. He loved a good suit, never shied away from his cowboy boots, and completed the look with one of his many hats. His fashion sense was as bold as his personality, and he carried himself with confidence and charm that made him unforgettable.

     Although Freddie never officially enrolled at Prairie View A&M University, he spent many semester hours there pursuing the love of his life, Rose Katheryn Young. What began as devoted courtship grew into a lifetime union, and on November 24, 1973, the two were married. After fifty-two years of marriage to his beloved “Sis,” Freddie could proudly say that his pursuit of happiness truly paid off.

     From a young age, Freddie was taught the importance of developing a strong work ethic. As a young man, he diligently worked with his father and brothers under the business name, Palmer Brother’s Roofing and Painting. To better support his family, Freddie later secured more stable and beneficial means of employment at several different business establishments. He still, however, worked nonstop after retirement from the Clear Creek Independent School District, using many of the roofing and painting skills he and his brothers learned from their father.

     Freddie was just as diligent in doing the work of the Lord as he was in carrying out the work of everyday life. Baptized at an early age, he faithfully served at New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor James A. Wrenn. He was actively involved in all youth activities, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and various church programs, laying a strong foundation for a lifetime of faith and service.

     Years later, Freddie moved his membership to Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (following Sis) and devotedly served under the leadership of several pastors; including his beloved man of God, Dr. William H. King, III; who he fondly called, “Preacher Man”. His dedicated service to many church ministries included: Bible School, Sunday School, Men’s Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Finance Committee, Benevolence Committee, Mass Choir, Male Chorus, Transportation, and many others.

     Deacon Freddie Palmer will be sincerely missed from the sacred walls of Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Furthermore, Deacon Palmer will forever live in the hearts of all the other faithful servants who served with him, and who are yet serving to fulfill the work that God has assigned.

     Freddie was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: George, Donald, and Johnny; two sisters: Selena and Billie; and many other loving family members.

     Left to cherish Freddie’s precious memories are his loving and dedicated wife, Rose; his sons: Rodney Palmer and Cedric Bradley (Dollie); grandchildren; godchildren; brother, Clarence; sisters: Shirley (Robert); Ella and Wanda; brother-in-law, Jeffery Young (Malinda); sisters-in-laws: Derrell Joseph-Phillips (Ronny), Erma Boudreaux, and Loretta Young-Stephens (Rawn); a host of nieces and nephews; cousins; friends; Dr. William H. King, III and family; and the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church family.