Donald Palms, Jr.

(SFC Army, Retired), Donald Eugene Palms, Jr, 73, of Jefferson County, AL, died October 22, 2019 at Russell Medical Center in Alexander City, Alabama.  He was born to Lois Palms on April 23, 1946 in Bessemer, AL..

Donald joined the United States Army in 1965 as an Indirect Fire Infantryman and served 16 months in Vietnam, where he was awarded 4 Bronze stars and the Vietnam Service Medal.. He spent the majority of his Army career at Ft Bragg, NC in the 82 Airborne Division where he served as section SGT, Team Leader and Platoon SGT. He was an Expert Marksman that earned many awards and accolades for his exceptional shooting abilities. The remainder of his Army career was served at Ft. Benning, GA in the Army Marksmanship Unit where he was a senior instructor/shooter, Rifle Coach, Branch Instructor, and Operations Manager. After 21 years, 11 months and many awards, including Distinguished Rifleman, The Army Commendation Medal, The Army Achievement Award, Expert Marksman, National Defense Service Medal, and the Parachutist Badge, he retired.

He was a member of the Alexander City Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his mother Lois Palms Ward and his step-father Willie Ward. Donald was part of a large extended family and leaves behind a host of people that loved him including a son Donald Palms and wife Amber, of Lake St Louis, Missouri, a son Duane Palms and his wife Deborah, of Fayetteville, NC, a daughter Kim Rhodes and her husband Bill, of Michigan, and a daughter DeJoyce Johnson of Fayetteville, NC.. 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, his brother and Best Friend Soloman “Stan”, cousin Jean, and good friend and advocate Wilson Gonce..

Cremation Services entrusted to Armour Funeral Home Alexander City, AL. Remains will be taken to his final resting place in Lumberton, NC where he will be given Military Honors and placed amongst family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Palms, Jr., please visit our floral store.