Rev. Benjamin Franklin Palmer

Reverend Benjamin Franklin Palmer, Sr. was born on September 29, 1927, in Orangeburg County. He was one of twelve siblings born to the late Pastor Josiah Palmer and Zadie Smith Palmer. Rev. Benjamin F. Palmer departed this life for eternal rest at Prisma Richland Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina on August 12, 2022, at 5:07 AM after an extended illness.

His Life: He attended Holly Hill Rosenwald School, Holly Hill, SC in Orangeburg County, and the Boys Preparatory Charter School of New York City, NY. He worked at the Hat factory in New York City, as a security guard at Benedict College Columbia, SC, and Food Lion Warehouse Elloree, SC. He was a Chaplin at Orangeburg Regional Hospital, Orangeburg, SC and was a member of the National Baptist Convention. He loved to read the bible, fish, watch boxing and joke with his grands, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His relationship with the Lord began to develop at an early age and he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

Rev. B. F. Palmer, Sr. began preaching at the age of 22 and was the Founder/Overseer `of the Little First Baptist Church of New York City, New York. In addition to his life legacy, he pastored Harvest Chapel Baptist in St. George, South Carolina, Calvary Baptist Church, and Friendship Baptist Church both located in St. Matthew, South Carolina.

Through his years in ministry many lives have been touched and many, many souls have been saved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and dedicated his life to teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He counseled those in need and helped those that was lost. He was a Veteran, he entered the United States Army and served in World War II.

He was preceded in death by his three children: Rev. James Jerome Palmer, Abigal Palmer, and Pamela Palmer-Johnson; his siblings: Frank Palmer, Mary Lee Palmer Fuller, Isaac Palmer, Floree Palmer Myers, Cora Lee Palmer Bowman, Deacon Joe Palmer, and Reverend Ellie W. Palmer.

His Legacy: His memories will always be cherished by his loving and devoted wife of 72 blessed years, Lady Annie Ruth Palmer; his children: Alexander G. Palmer (Columbia, SC), Evangelist Gwendolyn P Gadson (James)-Columbia. SC, Reverend Benjamin F. Josiah Palmer (Felicia)- Vacaville, CA., Evangelist Fushia P. Benjamin (Sidney)- Columbia, SC and Vivian Palmer Smith Killeen, TX; sixteen (16) grandchildren: Kalif Palmer (Yvette), Tokema Killins, Nathan Palmer, Lashawna Howard Mitchell (Craig), Kenya Palmer Mack (Travis), Jasmine Gadson Roberts (Anthony), James Gadson IV, Jalisha Gadson, Dino Davis II, Shanice Davis, Renesha Palmer, Olivia Palmer, Maurice Johnson, Shanita Palmer, Diamond Palmer, Alex Harris; eighteen (18) greatgrandchildren: siblings: Deacon John W. Palmer (Elizabeth), Reverend Samuel Palmer (Elsie), Earnestine Palmer Mack (Henry) and James E. Palmer (Ruby Mae); one son-in-law: Maurice Harry Johnson; a special goddaughter and niece: Dorothy Fuller Vaughn; his memories will always be remembered by his family, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

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