ATTORNEYS
H. William (Bill) Palmer, Jr.
In Memoriam (August 15, 1956 - July 21, 2019)
With much sorrow, we regret to announce the untimely death of one of our founding partners, Bill Palmer, on July 21, 2019.
Bill was born August 15, 1956 in Portsmouth, VA. After his family moved to Gastonia, NC, Bill graduated from Gaston Day School, then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1978 with a degree in accounting. He was a member of Zeta Psi fraternity and a life-long Tar Heel. In 1984, he graduated from Campbell Law School. Bill moved to Charlotte, NC, to work for the accounting firm of Ernst and Whinney where he met his bride, Henrietta White Palmer of Charlotte, NC. They were married on May 14, 1988. That year, he joined the law firm of Kennedy, Covington, Lobdell and Hickman. In 1992, Bill and Buddy Kirk started the law firm Kirk & Palmer PA (which later became Kirk, Palmer & Thigpen). He served faithfully at this firm for 27 years, focusing primarily on business transactions and estate planning. Bill was a trusted lawyer, mentor, and advisor to many clients and friends. He retired from the firm in September 2018 to focus his energy on battling cancer.
Bill was a devoted father, soccer coach, and hunting companion to his three sons. He took pride in regular trips to the family’s farm. Later in life, he was an avid fisherman, swimmer, and golfer. Bill was a dedicated member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, vestry member, and acolyte advisor, as well as an active volunteer and generous supporter for various organizations including the Bridge Jobs Program, the David Belk Cannon Foundation, and the Gaston Society of Mecklenburg County.
Bill’s life mirrored the words of Micah 6:8 “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” He cherished each day with his family and friends. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Henrietta, and sons, Hugh, Reid and Preston.
We will miss his wise counsel and steady demeanor.