Visitation

July 31, 2025
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Funeral Service

July 31, 2025
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Graveside Service

July 31, 2025
3 p.m.

Melvin Palmer, 85, of Morganton, NC, died Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Born in Pennsylvania on December 25, 1939, he was the son of the late George Palmer and Ethel Shafer Palmer.

Melvin was raised in the Baptist Faith and was a veteran of the US Army. He worked as a disc jockey at Steel Creek Park for many years. He enjoyed horses, was an avid fan of the Miami Dolphins, and enjoyed collecting antiques.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 65 ½ years, Betty Phillips Palmer; children, Connie Whisnant and Jeff Palmer; special daughter, Madonna Humphries; grandchildren, Daniel Whisnant, Jason Whisnant, Ashley Palmer, and Austin Palmer; great-grandchildren, Miley Seacrest, Sophia Seacrest, Zalee Seacrest, Gavin Whisnant, and one more; brother, David Palmer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by four brothers, Donald, Robert, Richard, and Thomas Palmer; and a sister, Donna.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate).

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Tribute Wall

Leave a tribute for Melvin Palmer.

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If you search up Betty Secrest I’ve also commented on her be a these old people meant a lot too me that I can’t explain that’s why I do this because they loved me so much just like I loved them I could not hold any of my tears back at hid funeral just like Betty’s because they were my life.

—Zalee secrest
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Mel brought such light and joy to everyone around him, he will be truly missed

—Chelsea Annas
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—miley

So sorry for your loss he will surely be missed

—Kathy Samarasinghe

So sorry for your loss he will surely be missed

—Kathy Samarasinghe

So sorry to hear about Mel , he was a good friend for many years, I didn't get to see him often but always thought of the good times we had

—Richard Robinson