Randy Palmer

Madison, MS - John Randall “Randy” Palmer, 45, passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2016, at his residence. Born on July 19, 1971, in Amory, he was the son of J. Steven "Steve" Palmer and Sharon O. Palmer.

Randy was a graduate of Amory High School, Class of 1989, where he was a star athlete. Before graduation, he signed with Itawamba Community College to play baseball. While at ICC, Randy was named Most Valuable Player and received numerous other awards. He played baseball at the University of North Alabama before transferring to Delta State University. Having great success at DSU, Randy was named the Most Valuable Player for being their leading hitter and having the most RBI. Drafted by the Minnesota Twins after college, he played baseball in their Minor League organization.

In 1995, following his baseball playing career, Randy began his baseball coaching career at Oak Hill Academy. Accepting the coaching job at Madison-Ridgeland Academy, he coached from 2001-2005. Passionate about coaching and children, Coach Palmer had the God-given ability to connect with his players and motivate them to do great things, not only in baseball but in life. Many times he was heard saying, “I’m in the kid business.” Randy enjoyed investing in children and instilling in them a great respect for the game. One who believed in giving back, his true love was coaching baseball, and he took great pleasure in working one-on-one with players in all facets of the game.

Leaving the baseball diamond for a career change, Randy became a Pharmaceutical Sales rep for AstraZeneca yet still found time to return to the game he loved by serving as an assistant baseball coach with Madison-Ridgeland High School. He was currently working with Peco Foods in Jackson.

A gentleman of strong, Christian faith, Randy was a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church, Madison. One who had a big heart, he was a friend to anyone he met. A family man, Randy loved his children, enjoyed working with his son in baseball and his daughter in soccer, cheering them on in competition, and sharing his love of deer hunting with them. Randy’s lively spirit, quick wit, and contagious smile will always be treasured as his legacy lives on through his family and the many lives he touched as a coach.

Randy is survived by his wife, LaNelle Palmer, daughter, Cara Dale Palmer, and son, Easton Palmer of Madison; father, Steve Palmer; mother, Sharon Palmer; and sisters, Kellie Wouldridge (Gary) and Molly Palmer of Amory; nieces, Shayne Hall (Vince), Layne Faulkner and Lauren Rooks; great nieces, Karsyn Easter and Cami Fullerton; great-nephew, Channing Voyles.

Randy was preceded in death by his grandparents, John & Evon Palmer; Letha Stroud; and Grady Owens.

His Funeral Service will be at 10 AM, Friday, October 7 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory, with Pastor Neal Avery officiating. Burial will follow in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Dale Honeycutt, Tommy Roberts, Craig Monaghan, Keith Thompson, Rodney Griffin and Shay Cooper. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Wouldridge, Vince Hall, David Carroll, and Chris Voyles.

Visitation will be from 5 - 8 PM, Thursday, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to East Coast Baseball, 200 Park Creek Dr., Columbus, MS 39705 or M.F.C. Rush, ATTN: Tammy Zummallen, 222 Quail Hollow, Canton, MS 39046.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.