Thomas A. Palmer

Thomas Allen Palmer passed away at the Residence at Carlisle after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Thomas transitioned on July 1, 2026, with his wife, Ruth, by his side.

Thomas Allen Palmer (Tommie) was born on November 24, 1949, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to the late William Henry Palmer and Henrietta Lillian (Jackson) Palmer. Tommie, as he was affectionately known, was deeply involved in Carlisle and Cumberland County, leaving a legacy of service and a lasting impact on everyone who had the honor of knowing him. His commitment to the community was extensive. Alongside one of his dearest friends, Melvin Hodge, Tommie co-founded the Carlisle Track Club, which was established to provide all children, regardless of financial resources, the opportunity to participate in regional track and field events. In addition, Tommie was a karate and self-defense instructor for decades and earned a 7th Degree Black Belt in Isshin-ryu Karate.

Tommie continued his dedication to the youth of Cumberland County by serving as a founding member of The Cumberland County Youth Aid Panel, a diversionary program designed to prevent young people from entering the juvenile justice system. Tommie's humility and quiet strength often stood in contrast to public recognition, but that did not prevent those who witnessed his service from honoring his contributions. Throughout his lifetime, Tommie received numerous awards and recognitions, most recently including the Partnership for Better Health Youth Advocate Award and the Amani Festival Pillar of the Community Award.

Tommie also had a passion for his professions. Directly after graduating high school in 1970, Tommie began delivering flowers for George’s flowers. He then began his career as a telephone lineman with the United Telephone Company of Pennsylvania and retired from Sprint after 30 years of dedicated service. Shortly thereafter, Tommie returned to his beloved alma mater, Carlisle High School, to serve as a hall monitor—a role he truly loved and through which he mentored and positively influenced hundreds of students over the course of his tenure. His students affectionately referred to him as Shaft. While at Carlisle High School, Tommie also devoted 30 years to coaching track and field, a commitment that inspired the creation of a scholarship established in his honor. His crowning achievement as a track coach was a state team championship in 2017.

Family meant everything to Tommie. As one of his nieces lovingly shared, Uncle Tommie was "...quiet but strong and always there." Tommie leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Ruth (Washington) Palmer; his children, Dr. Michelle Palmer, Taleen Palmer (Michael), Carl Wilson, and Deanna Wilson; and his grandchildren, Jerrell, Jaylin, Carter, and Jayde. He is also survived by his siblings, Ms. Margaret Ann Palmer, Ms. Dorothy Palmer Grimes, Mr. Wayne Palmer (Gina Myers), Mr. Charles Palmer (Suellen), Ms. Gwendolyn Palmer, and Mr. William Owens (Marsha), all of Carlisle; and Retired U.S. Army Annette Buchanan of Wimauma, FL. Tommie also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, many of whom regarded him as a father figure. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mr. Kenneth Palmer, Ms. Janet Palmer, Ms. Brenda Palmer, and Mr. Albert Owens; and his nephews William (Wink) Henry Palmer and Ahmaud Palmer.

Tommie had a passion for many endeavors including Drum and Bugle Corps, Motown, running, swimming, The Los Angeles Rams, lemon meringue pie, baked macaroni with stewed tomatoes, visits to the beach, and collecting. Tommie has extensive collections of currency, knives, t-shirts, hats, and a myriad of meaningful trinkets.

Thomas Allen Palmer leaves a profound and enduring legacy of service. He lived a life that we should all strive to emulate. Services celebrating Tommie's life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Hoffman Funeral Home, 2020 W. Trindle Rd. Carlisle, PA 17013 at 12 pm followed by interment at Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens. A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 6-8 pm at Hoffman Funeral Home and again on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carlisle Track & Field Boosters, Carlisle High School, 623 W. Penn Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. (Check Memo: In Memory of Tommie Palmer)