Wayne Lee Palmer

Wayne Lee Palmer of Nathalie passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026 at the age of 80. Born December 29, 1945, he was the son of the late Charlie Linwood Palmer and the late Louise DeJarnette Palmer. He was married to Ista Roland Palmer, who survives.

Wayne held a B.S. in Agronomy and an M.S. in Vocational Technical Education, both from Virginia Tech, and taught agriculture at Halifax County Senior High School and Halifax County Junior High School from 1972–1981. While teaching agriculture, he coached FFA teams in livestock and forestry and produced a number of state and national winners. After teaching, Wayne worked full-time farming until declining health demanded that he retire. In addition to many years as a successful flue-cured tobacco producer, his farming efforts later transitioned to beef livestock production and forestry. He was named the Outstanding Cooperator by Halifax Soil & Water Conservation District and received the Goodyear Conservation Award of Merit in 1986. His reforestation of timberland also earned him the 2012 and 2022 Forestry Awards.

A U.S. Army veteran, Wayne served in Vietnam in the 101st Airborne Division, achieving the final rank of Sergeant. He was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Wayne is survived by his daughter Patricia Palmer of Herndon; his son Christopher Palmer of Springfield; and his daughter Meredith Palmer Fears (Kevin) of Nathalie; plus three grandsons, Hudson and Colton Powell of Herndon and Noah Fears of Nathalie. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Palmer, of Halifax. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, John Powell, Jr.

The family will receive friends Friday, September 25, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

The family would like to convey their sincere gratitude to the staff of Heritage Hall Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Brookneal and Centra Hospice, Lynchburg, for their loving care, comfort, and support provided to Wayne and his family.

For memorials, please consider the Parkinson’s Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.