Horace Phillip Palmer was born on July 26, 1961, to Andrew and Ophelia Palmer of Sanford, NC, and he transitioned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Horace is preceded in death by sister Carol Taitt, brother Cleveland Palmer, and son Brandon McLean.

Horace attended Campbell University, where he studied and developed his love of music. His US Army intelligence expertise launched his 30+ year professional career in Information Technology and Computer Networking, worldwide.

Horace loved people and people loved Horace. Raised on a farm with seven older, doting siblings and numerous cousins in the close-knit Tempting community with its own church and community center, he learned and lived the value of love, family, respect, friendship, responsibility, and the importance of God. He became a man who never met a stranger and could easily strike up a conversation on just about any topic from organic farming to logistics of setting up a data center. An ardent family man, Horace enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time with family, and especially loved being “Pop-Pop” to his granddaughters, whom he cherished.

When he wasn’t with family, Horace applied his God-given talents to edifying the body of Christ by promoting Christian growth. Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned…people will never forget how you made them feel.” Indeed, Horace made people feel valued through his steadfast attention, infectious smile, hearty laughter, free help and knowledge, and spiritual light. Sunday School and Bible Study students felt enlightened through his teachings. College students felt rooted in a caring church through his Young Adult Outreach ministry. The local Unhoused community felt valued as Horace fed them God’s word, individually. The congregation felt the Holy Spirit as he belted out songs, played his tambourine, and clapped as he led Praise & Worship Service.

Horace is survived by his loving wife of twenty-eight years, Lynette Palmer, daughter Angelica (Darnell) Spann, son Joshua Palmer, brothers Barry Palmer, Raynard (Helena) Palmer, Andrew (Gloria) Palmer, sisters Morcia (Oliver) Minor, and Miriam Palmer, granddaughters Ryan and Dallas Spann, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

Horace was a champion of the underdog. We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared with us, and the sweet memories that we will cherish forever.

Public viewing: 12:00 - 6:00 pm on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Trice Funeral Home Chapel, 127 N. West Street in Fuquay - Varina, NC 27526.

Visitation: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Poplar Springs Christian Church in Raleigh, NC.

Funeral will be held 12:00 pm on, February 1, 2025, at Poplar Springs Christian Church, 6115 Old Stage Road in Raleigh, NC.

Burial: Tempting Congregational Church Cemetery, 398 Tempting Church Road in Sanford, NC 27330.