Gerald L. Palmer

Funeral services for Dr. Gerald L. Palmer will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Rose-Neath Bossier Chapel. Interment will follow at Doyline Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 2nd, 2021 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Bossier City, Louisiana. Dr. Gerald L. Palmer was born in Minden, Louisiana on April 13, 1954 to John W. and Irene Watson Palmer and passed away on June 21, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Palmer was a retired pastor. He pastored Barron Road Baptist Church in Keithville, Louisiana, Victory Baptist Church in Rowlett, Texas, Westlake Baptist Church in Doyline, Louisiana, and Trinity Baptist Church in Doyline, Louisiana. Many souls were saved, lives changed and marriages blessed under his ministry. Dr. Palmer was also known as "Coach" to hundreds of kids throughout the years. His passion was coaching high school baseball. He coached at Canyon Creek, Rockwall Christian, Dallas Covenant, and Doyline High School. He took three of those schools to the state final four and won two state championships. He was a seven-time district Coach of the Year. Dr. Palmer accomplished a lot in his lifetime, but his most important role was being a husband to Julia, dad to his kids, and a "Pops" to his grandkids. He was married to Julia for 42 years and they were rarely seen apart. He missed her every day of the last four years and they are now reunited. He had a close, affectionate relationship with his kids. He spoke with each of them daily and no subject was off limits. To them he was a mentor, counselor, jokester, straight-shooter, but most importantly a friend. His five grandkids were his pride and joy. He supported each of them in their endeavors and they could talk him into anything. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Julia; son, John-Earl Palmer; parents, John and Irene Palmer; brother, Bubba Palmer; sister, Donna Vallacchi; and other extended family. Dr. Palmer is survived by his children; Melony and Anthony Stevens, Joshua and Chelsea Palmer, Caleb Palmer, Farrar Palmer; grandchildren, Kenzie Stevens, Cali Palmer, Sydni Palmer, Charlee Palmer and Tucker Palmer; siblings, nieces and nephews. Honoring Dr. Palmer as pallbearers will be Jeff Brantley, Josh Cripps, Colby Freeman, Brett Holmes, Jared McIver and Brandon Palmer.