Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com Palmer Collier Temple, 90, of Jasper, Georgia, died on February 21, 2025. He was kind, smart, hilarious, and beloved by many. He leaves behind the love of his life, wife of 56 years, Helen Elizabeth "Betty" Temple; his two daughters, Elizabeth Temple McConnel (Bruce) and Kathryn Dale Temple (Lyme Kedic); and three grandchildren, William Blair McConnel, Claire Seaton McConnel, and Palmer Elizabeth Temple. Palmer graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy in 1953. He went on to graduate from Vanderbilt University and later the Candler School of Theology at Emory University where he earned a Masters of Divinity. An accomplished golfer, he played competitively in high school and college. Palmer met Betty in 1967 when he worked as the Chaplain at the Children's Unit of Georgia Mental Health and she worked as a special education teacher. They married on December 21, 1968. They welcomed their first daughter in 1969 and their second in 1972. Palmer lived a life of service and compassion. He was the Chaplain of Chicago's Children's Hospital. In 1976 he became rector of St. Timothy's Church in Decatur, a robust and diverse church congregation. From there, he went to St Luke's Episcopal Church in downtown Atlanta where he was the Executive Director of the Saint Luke's Training and Counseling Center. Throughout his life he was a supporter of civil rights and racial justice, which were often the subject of his engrossing sermons. Palmer was a staunch democrat, because he saw it as the party that worked to expand civil and human rights rather than shrink them. Palmer loved putzing around his home and garden at his beloved Lake Grandview. He often made hand lettered signs around his dock and clever figurines from driftwood. He was a committed napper and grew evermore expert in maintaining a seated position while dozing as he entered his 90th year. Nine holes with his best friend and neighbor Mark Dickerson, made for his best afternoon and he loved to water his wife's blueberry garden. People adored Palmer's presence because he loved people as they were without judgment. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by many. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, March first at the Church of the Holy Family at 202 Griffith Road; Jasper, GA 30143. Interment will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Palmer's Church, The Holy Family, The Saint Luke's Training and Counseling Center or The ACLU. Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.