ATLANTA, GA. – Philip Franklin Palmer, 82, professor emeritus, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Ga., World War II veteran, born 1922 in Guilford, died of cancer, Nov. 5, 2004, in Atlanta, Ga. He graduated from Foxcroft Academy in 1941. From 1961, until he retired in 1993, was a professor of political science, with a specialty in American government and constitutional law, at the University of Wisconsin and Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, and co-author of a textbook, American Government. His vast life experiences as manager of the A&P (a career he began in high school, as well his many entrepreneurial ventures to help support the family), a member of the Marine Corps serving in Guadalcanal, president of the Chamber of Commerce and member of Rotary in Franklin, N.H., an actor in local theatre in Franklin, and a jazz drummer, all contributed to making him a great educator. After the war he returned to his career in the A&P until 1955, when he left the security of his position in business and in the community to pursue a law degree. An article in the Franklin paper at the time described him as “No Prisoner of Success”; he began a new career at age 33. While a junior at the University of New Hampshire, Phil said, “I was asked to substitute for a professor who literally fell out of a tree. I think I was hooked on teaching from that point on, with a major in political science… While I’m still fascinated with law, I think the teaching profession is the best there is.” When asked in an interview for the student newspaper at Oglethorpe (1978), what he valued, Phil answered, “I guess probably good friends. I like things, but I prefer people.” How fortunate for us all, family, friends, and students, that Phil Palmer had the courage to follow his heart and become a teacher. And a great teacher he was. He was a risk taker, and we all won. After retiring, he wrote, enjoyed woodworking, and traveled extensively around the world with his wife. He is survived by his wife, Keiko Palmer of Atlanta, Ga.; son, Russell Palmer of Jacksonville, Fla.; daughters, Sherry Palmer of Durham, N.H., and Sally Palmer of Atlanta, Ga.; stepsons, Craig Panter of Singapore and Michael Panter of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren, Jonathan, Allison, and Nicole Palmer; great-granddaughter, Samantha Anchetta; sister, Margaret Goulette of Guilford; brother, Earl Jr. of Tampa, Fla.; nieces and nephews. A reception was held for family, friends, and colleagues at the Student Center, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta Ga. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to Oglethorpe University.
PHILIP FRANKLIN PALMER
