Paul O'Neill Palmer, Ii

Paul O’Neill Palmer II, aka Duke, son of the late Paul O. and Thelma Raye (Thomas) Palmer found his light in the sun on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 3:05 pm at the Royals Oaks Rehab Center in Matthews, North Carolina. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patrice Palmer. He was born on August 13, 1953 in Columbus, Ohio. In 1971, he left Columbus to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He and his sister Patrice were nicknamed by their father as Duke and Duchess as children.

Duke will be remembered for his love of cars and charismatic personality. He enjoyed long drives, constructing model cars and attending classic car shows. As a history lover he also enjoyed documentaries and watching the History channel.

He moved to Charlotte in 1978 and began working for Ford Motor Credit and remained with them until his retirement in 2000. In June 1979, he was joined in marriage with Gloria Kelley and the Kelley clan.

Left to cherish his memories: Gloria, two daughters, Kelley Nicole Palmer of Charlotte, NC, and Tisarah McGown of Seattle, WA, one son, Paul O’Neill Palmer III of Charlotte, NC, two adorable grandchildren: Palmer Augustine Carboni-Woods and Duke Addis Carboni-Woods of Charlotte.

He is survived by his aunts and uncle, Leila Mae Hairston (San Antonio, TX); Sinclair Largin (Clarksville, TN), Naomi Thomas (Greensboro, NC), Pauline Palmer (Christiansburg, VA) and Joseph Hylton (Tucson, AZ). Sister in laws: Mary Kelley Robinson (Eugene) of Decatur GA; Sandra Kelley of Analomink, PA; Brother-in-laws: Addis L. Kelley (Terry) of Hepzibah, Ga; Eddie Jones of Augusta, GA.

Additionally, he lives on in the memories of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and former co-workers.

A Note of Gratitude

The  family of Paul O’Neill Palmer II would like to thank the many family members and friends for their acts of kindness during his illness and death.  Special thanks to the medical team at Atrium Health, Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, Davita Dialysis and Royal Oaks Rehab Center for their support during the last month of his life.  Friends are our chosen family and we appreciate all of you.