In Memory of
Roy Claybourn
Palmer
Palmer
1935 - 2017
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Obituary for Roy Claybourn Palmer
Roy Claybourn Palmer lived a wonderful life, in his own inimitable way. On February 27, 2017, attended by his loving wife Susan and devoted daughter Heather, he made a quiet exit.
He was born in Kearney, Missouri on August 9, 1935 to Dorothy Lucille Palmer and Roy Claybourn Palmer, moved to Chicago shortly after his birth, spent summers with his family in Missouri and always stayed true to his roots as a country boy.
After serving in Korea with the US Army 7th Cavalry, he married his first wife, Nancy Barclay and had three beautiful children, Claybourn John Palmer, Heather Ann Palmer Roberts and Allyson Lynn Palmer.
He started his professional life with the Federal Trade Commission then followed into the private sector, eventually starting his own firm. Focusing on Business Law, among others, he represented the Visiting Nurses Association and the Illinois State Savings and Loan Association.
Roy never lost sight of how his education shaped him as a man and an attorney. Until the end he stayed connected to his alma maters - Chicago’s Lake View HS, Lake Forest College and Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate with Honors. An avid reader, he was stimulated by a book he read to Establish and Endow the Roy C. Palmer Civil Liberties Prize at Chicago-Kent College of Law for writings that explore the tension between our civil liberties and national security in contemporary American society. Now in its 11th year, he was, as always, ahead of the curve.
In 1983 he met Susan Marie Kelly and after a whirlwind courtship they married. Shortly thereafter they embarked on an adventure that would change the world of many Native American Tribes. As a Pioneer in the Native American Gaming Industry, he was said to have “found a loophole in the law and drove a mack truck through it”. He worked most notably for the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin who awarded him their highest honor by presenting him with an Eagle Feather. From California to Florida he fought many legal battles to gain the Tribes’ their gaming rights. At that time few people had the depth of knowledge and understanding of the Native Americans ancestry, migrations and the law.
Upon retiring, they moved to Sarasota, Florida where Roy and Susan became socially and philanthropically active; frequently opening their home to arts and humanities organizations fundraising efforts. Although he projected a tough exterior, Roy was a marshmallow inside; he had a huge heart, and cherished the people he connected with. He served on the Boards of Lake Forest College, IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, Mote Marine Laboratory, Goodwill Industries, The Harris Trust/Bank of Montreal and the Asolo Theatre. He authored the concept and co-brokered the deal with Florida State University to combine the facilities of the Asolo and the Sarasota Ballet to help keep them both afloat.
Roy was an avid Tennis Player seen on the courts daily, but most notably he was an indulgent husband. He and Susan traveled the world, most frequently visiting Africa; he was besotted with it. Later in life, sensing a need, he and Susan stepped in to help raise her brother’s children who have become very much his own.
Roy’s last chapter began 2 1/2 years ago, when by happenstance they discovered Franklin, NC. Feeling he had come home, this country boy settled down in Burningtown amongst his chickens, bees, Susan’s flowers, Jasper, Bonnie Blue and God sent neighbors. This will be his final resting place.
Roy is preceded in death by his son Claybourn and a brother, Marshall. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Susan; his devoted daughters Heather Roberts and Allyson Palmer; son-in-law Timothy Roberts; his first wife Nancy Barclay Dixon; brother-in-law Joseph Kelly; sister-in-law Christina Kelly and beloved nieces and nephews Joseph, James, Nicholas, Samantha & Sarah Kelly.
Following a private cremation, Mass will be held on Thursday, March 9th at 11AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Franklin, NC; neighbors and friends are welcomed. Interment will be at the Palmer Family Cemetery in Burningtown at a later date.
In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in Roy’s memory to the Palmer Prize Endowment at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, Attention Susan Lewers, 565 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60661 or the St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry, 299 Maple Street, Franklin, NC 28734.
Macon Funeral Home in Franklin is handling the cremation and arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.
He was born in Kearney, Missouri on August 9, 1935 to Dorothy Lucille Palmer and Roy Claybourn Palmer, moved to Chicago shortly after his birth, spent summers with his family in Missouri and always stayed true to his roots as a country boy.
After serving in Korea with the US Army 7th Cavalry, he married his first wife, Nancy Barclay and had three beautiful children, Claybourn John Palmer, Heather Ann Palmer Roberts and Allyson Lynn Palmer.
He started his professional life with the Federal Trade Commission then followed into the private sector, eventually starting his own firm. Focusing on Business Law, among others, he represented the Visiting Nurses Association and the Illinois State Savings and Loan Association.
Roy never lost sight of how his education shaped him as a man and an attorney. Until the end he stayed connected to his alma maters - Chicago’s Lake View HS, Lake Forest College and Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate with Honors. An avid reader, he was stimulated by a book he read to Establish and Endow the Roy C. Palmer Civil Liberties Prize at Chicago-Kent College of Law for writings that explore the tension between our civil liberties and national security in contemporary American society. Now in its 11th year, he was, as always, ahead of the curve.
In 1983 he met Susan Marie Kelly and after a whirlwind courtship they married. Shortly thereafter they embarked on an adventure that would change the world of many Native American Tribes. As a Pioneer in the Native American Gaming Industry, he was said to have “found a loophole in the law and drove a mack truck through it”. He worked most notably for the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin who awarded him their highest honor by presenting him with an Eagle Feather. From California to Florida he fought many legal battles to gain the Tribes’ their gaming rights. At that time few people had the depth of knowledge and understanding of the Native Americans ancestry, migrations and the law.
Upon retiring, they moved to Sarasota, Florida where Roy and Susan became socially and philanthropically active; frequently opening their home to arts and humanities organizations fundraising efforts. Although he projected a tough exterior, Roy was a marshmallow inside; he had a huge heart, and cherished the people he connected with. He served on the Boards of Lake Forest College, IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, Mote Marine Laboratory, Goodwill Industries, The Harris Trust/Bank of Montreal and the Asolo Theatre. He authored the concept and co-brokered the deal with Florida State University to combine the facilities of the Asolo and the Sarasota Ballet to help keep them both afloat.
Roy was an avid Tennis Player seen on the courts daily, but most notably he was an indulgent husband. He and Susan traveled the world, most frequently visiting Africa; he was besotted with it. Later in life, sensing a need, he and Susan stepped in to help raise her brother’s children who have become very much his own.
Roy’s last chapter began 2 1/2 years ago, when by happenstance they discovered Franklin, NC. Feeling he had come home, this country boy settled down in Burningtown amongst his chickens, bees, Susan’s flowers, Jasper, Bonnie Blue and God sent neighbors. This will be his final resting place.
Roy is preceded in death by his son Claybourn and a brother, Marshall. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Susan; his devoted daughters Heather Roberts and Allyson Palmer; son-in-law Timothy Roberts; his first wife Nancy Barclay Dixon; brother-in-law Joseph Kelly; sister-in-law Christina Kelly and beloved nieces and nephews Joseph, James, Nicholas, Samantha & Sarah Kelly.
Following a private cremation, Mass will be held on Thursday, March 9th at 11AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Franklin, NC; neighbors and friends are welcomed. Interment will be at the Palmer Family Cemetery in Burningtown at a later date.
In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in Roy’s memory to the Palmer Prize Endowment at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, Attention Susan Lewers, 565 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60661 or the St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry, 299 Maple Street, Franklin, NC 28734.
Macon Funeral Home in Franklin is handling the cremation and arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.
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