Alva James "Al" Palmer

Alva James “Al” Palmer, age 81 of Buchanan, TN, died Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.

He retired in 2001 to Buchanan, TN, after many years as a casino dealer in Joliet, IL.  After moving to Henry County, he worked several years at Walmart in Paris.  Al loved to read, work in the yard, and grill.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran.

Al was born on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1939, in Joliet, IL, to the late Alva C. Palmer and the late Bernadine Madden Palmer.

He was married October 24, 1964, to his wife of 56 years, Sharlene Larsen Palmer, who survives, of Buchanan, TN.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by his daughter, Sharon Palmer of Joliet, IL; his two sons, Charles (Susan) Palmer of Miracle, KY, and Robert (Lois) Palmer of Buchanan, TN; one sister, Barbara Lisy of Joliet, IL; one brother, Donald (Dianna) Palmer of Scottsdale, AZ; one sister-in-law, Debbie (James) Rea of Midlothian, IL; four grandchildren, Amanda Palmer, Lucas (Rebekah) Palmer, Samuel Palmer, and Jessica Swinford (Harold) Gorman; four great grandchildren, Joshua, Aiden, Virgil, and Billy Ray; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Tony Lisy; and one grandson, William Lee Swinford.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Thursday, January 28, 2021, from 9:30 am – 11:00 am at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am in LeDon Chapel of Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Chad Kennedy officiating.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Paris, TN.