Geoffrey Thomas “Geoff” Palmer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away on September 8, 2026, following a sudden illness that progressed rapidly over the course of just two and a half weeks. He was 64 years old.

Geoff was born on December 20, 1961, at the United States Air Force Hospital at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, to Charles Bert Palmer and Betty June Phillips Palmer. He spent most of his life in Orlando, Florida, where he graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1979. He later attended Valencia Community College, studying horticulture.

Geoff married Mary more than 35 years ago, beginning a life together filled with family, adventure, horses, creativity, and more memories than can ever be counted. He was the quiet rock behind Mary throughout their life together. Sometimes he traveled with her as she showed horses across the country, and sometimes he stayed behind to care for their home and barn so she could travel and compete. When Mary's quilting journey began to take off, Geoff was just as supportive. He frequently told everyone how incredibly proud he was of her and her accomplishments.

Geoff and Mary welcomed their daughter, Chelsea, into their family through adoption from the foster care system when she was nine years old. Geoff was sometimes a silly dad, but he was always a steady one. He showed up for everything. He taught Chelsea to fish, to drive, and even to drive an airboat, along with countless other things. He was the person she would call when something was wrong.

Geoff worked for Andrews Agency in Orlando as a Special Process Server for more than 27 years. He retired when he and Mary relocated to Ellijay, Georgia, approximately 12 years ago. Retirement, however, did not mean Geoff stopped being busy or stopped helping others. He found a new place to give his time through the Gilmer County Food Bank. On food distribution days, Geoff served as a Loader and helped make sure food reached those who needed it. He also delivered food to people who were unable to drive to the Pantry. On days when the Pantry was closed, he continued to volunteer his time, driving the food truck for pick-ups and operating the forklift. Helping others was never something Geoff did for recognition. It was simply who he was.

For more than 25 years, Geoff was a member of the Orlando Optimists, an organization whose mission of helping children was especially meaningful to him. He was also a longtime member of the Central Florida Bass Anglers.

Geoff loved being outdoors and enjoyed many kinds of fishing, including bass fishing, deep-sea fishing, and flats fishing. Airboating was also a big part of his life in Orlando. One of his favorite traditions was heading out with the other airboaters every Super Bowl Sunday for a day on the water and a barbecue, making sure they returned in time to watch the game.

He loved golf and participated in numerous charity golf tournaments, including tournaments benefiting the Russell Home for Atypical Children and an annual tournament held to help a UPS employee who had experienced a life-changing event.

Life in Ellijay gave Geoff even more things to love. He enjoyed cooking, playing his guitar, and spending time outdoors. He took great pleasure in the wildlife and nature surrounding their home and appreciated the beauty of the North Georgia mountains.

Geoff liked a good joke and loved making people laugh. He enjoyed having fun and bringing laughter to those around him. He was happiest when he could enjoy the things he loved with the people he loved.

Above all, Geoff was a man who was always willing to lend a hand. Whether helping a friend, volunteering in his community, supporting a charity, taking care of things at home so Mary could pursue her passions, or simply being there when someone needed him, Geoff quietly gave his time and himself to others. He did not need recognition for the things he did. Helping was simply part of who he was.

Geoff was also a registered organ donor and believed strongly in the importance of giving to others. He often said, “You can't take it with you,” and encouraged others to consider becoming organ donors. Although his illness ultimately prevented his organs from being viable for transplant, he was still able to give the gift of sight through corneal donation. Even at the end of his life, Geoff found a way to give something of himself to others.

Geoff is survived by his wife of more than 35 years, Mary; his daughter, Chelsea; his granddaughters, Victoria, Gracie, and Georgette; and also his grandsons, Ethan and Landon. He is also survived by his uncle, James Palmer, who was also his best man in his wedding; his mother-in-law, Eleanor Svenson Bookhardt (Jesse); his sisters-in-law, Heidi Yanna and Christy Coen; and his nephews, Gunnar Yanna and Matthew and Andrew Coen, as well as many cousins and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Bert Palmer and Betty June Phillips Palmer; Mary's father, Eric William Svenson; Mary's brother, Eric Samuel Svenson; and his brothers-in-law, Richard Yanna and Richard Coen.

A Celebration of Life for Geoff will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at El Ray Cantina and Mexican Restaurante, 945 Maddox Drive, East Ellijay, Georgia.

In true Geoff fashion, this will not be a day for sadness and formality. The men are encouraged to wear their Guy Harvey shirts, and everyone is encouraged to dress happy rather than somber. Geoff would not want his life celebrated with everyone dressed in black and feeling sad. He would want people to come together, share stories, laugh, remember him, and celebrate the life he lived and the many people he helped along the way.

Geoff's greatest legacy will not be measured by titles or accomplishments, but by the lives he touched, the people he helped, and the quiet ways he was always there when someone needed him. He gave freely of his time, his kindness, and his heart—and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay, GA is entrusted with these arrangements.