Robert H. (Robby) Palmer

Robert Howard (Robby) Palmer, lifelong resident of Terrell, passed away peacefully into the presence of his Savior on the morning of November 11, 2024. Robby was born March 18, 1953 in Terrell to Frederick Howard and Joy Lavon Palmer, both of whom gladly welcomed him into Heaven along with his brother, Richard Allen Palmer and father-in-law, William Fowler Lyon. Robert Howard (Robby) Palmer, lifelong resident of Terrell, passed away peacefully into the presence of his Savior on the morning of November 11, 2024. Robby was born March 18, 1953 in Terrell to Frederick Howard and Joy Lavon Palmer, both of whom gladly welcomed him into Heaven along with his brother, Richard Allen Palmer and father-in-law, William Fowler Lyon. Robby’s heart for others was seen even as a young man and he was a friend to all at school as well as to all in the (then) small town of Terrell. During his school years, he was voted Class Favorite several times by the other students as well as voted Best All Around in recognition of Robby’s ability to be the friendliest, the most helpful and the kindest, attributes that he would keep his whole life. Before graduating from THS in 1971, he was involved in many high school civic organizations, was an accomplished athlete, playing football all four years, a talented welder and was also very involved in FFA, showing and taking care of livestock. Robby had the enviable skill of being everyone’s friend by being very approachable and so helpful. He met the love of his life and best friend, Joy Lyon, when she was fourteen and, every day since then, Robby and she were inseparable. On July 20, 1973, they were married at First Baptist Church in Terrell and while building their lives together, they welcomed their three children: Aaron, Leslea and Kylie. Robby was a dedicated employee with every position at every job and his dedication reflected the scripture of 1 Corinthians 10:31 “...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God". He worked at Rabal Metal Fabricators, Seco Overhead Cranes, helped build barges with his dad and worked alongside his dad and brother at LTV in Greenville. Robby also joined the Terrell VFD and, ultimately, joined the Dallas Fire Department as a Driver Engineer until his retirement in 2012. After retiring from DFD, he remained active in the Retired Dallas Fire Fighters Association Honor Guard where he and many of his colleagues would travel near and far to render final honors to other retirees and active firefighters. He was also an appointed board member of Poetry Water Supply Company where his knowledge of all things made his ideas indispensable to a growing community. Robby’s devotion to serving others was exceeded only by his devotion to his Lord and his family. He was a loving husband and father and then became the best grandfather to the grandkids. Staying involved with his children, while they grew up, enabled Robby to be there for them and he was beyond proud of them for each of their accomplishments. He was also a pillar of support when a disappointment came their way. He was even tempered with each of them, helping them see opportunities as well as challenges with wisdom, understanding and humor. He celebrated their victories and grieved with them when they failed, all the while making sure each of them knew his love was never ending and unconditional. In Joy’s words, “Each one of them was his favorite.” Spending time with family was always a priority in Robby’s life and he and Joy would spend Sunday ‘date nights’ riding around the backroads, looking for deer and ending up at Dairy Queen for a dipped cone. He loved playing with the grandkids: games of hide and seek, basketball in the shop, riding bikes and anything else they wanted to do! Robby was also a longtime and vital member of First Baptist Church in Terrell where he served as Deacon, youth leader, Sunday School leader, RA leader, every committee at least once, and was an integral part of establishing Celebrate Recovery where he served as CR Ministry Leader. He was also a proud Gideon and he loved passing out Bibles, especially alongside his dear friend, Sandy Cowart. Among the many groups that Robby served on, he was always a helper. He helped with driving the bus for church excursions, fixing EVERYTHING on the church campus, greeting visitors and members, and connecting them with the best person, group or activity. He helped with vehicle maintenance, landscaping and presentation as well as just being a constant, welcome, lively sight in the church halls. Over the years, he met and made an incredible contribution to every person who he came into contact with and he will be missed greatly by so many. Robby is survived by his beautiful wife of 51 years, Joy Palmer, of Terrell; treasured children: Aaron Palmer of Terrell, Leslea Evans and husband, Chris, of Canton, Kylie Palos and husband, Manuel, of Terrell; cherished grandchildren: Blakely and Brennan Evans, Isabella and Rosielea Palos; brothers: Ray Palmer and wife, Janet, Randy Palmer and wife, Janet; sister, Rhonda Dyess; mother-in-love/law, Rutheline Lyon as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, church family and countless friends, each of whom loved Robby dearly. Funeral service will be at 11:00am, Saturday, November 16, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Terrell with interment to follow at Weaver Cemetery where honors will be rendered by Dallas Retired Fire Fighters Association. His family will receive friends 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Friday, November 15, at Max Slayton Funeral Home. Robby’s family suggests that memorials in honor of his tireless service to others be made to the Vehicle Replacement Fund or the Children’s Ministry at www.fbcterrell.org/give

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Robert H. (Robby) Palmer

March 18, 1953 - November 11, 2024