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In Memoriam

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Alan Palmer Memoriam

Wise Beyond His Years

Alan Palmer was president of The Palmer Agency for only five years, from 1998 until his untimely death in 2003. While that is not a long time in our agency’s history – nor even close to the tenure we expected – his leadership during those years has left a lasting legacy for our company. A legacy of respect for the past, passion for the present, and vision for the future.

Alan had just begun to implement his long-range plans for growth and innovation at The Palmer Agency, yet his positive impact on our company and its agents was obvious when he joined the agency in 1988, and while he served as our executive vice president. Alan’s smile, his enthusiasm for his work and his zest for life touched everyone around him.

Active in the Community

An active member of several professional associations, Alan served on the board of the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA) and was Vice Pres and Marketing Chairman of the NAILBA Charitable Foundation. He was also involved in the National Association of Insurance Financial Advisors and the Georgia Health Underwriters Association, and had served as president of Life Leaders of Georgia. Alan was awarded the Robert D. Goldman Community Service Award by the National Association of Insurance Financial Advisors in 2000. Alan also held the professional designation of Certified Senior Advisor.

Alan’s work on behalf of charities was tireless. For several years, he organized our agency-sponsored golf tournament to benefit The Canine Assistants , a non-profit organization which trains and provides service dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities or other special needs. He was also involved in fundraising for the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children.

A Passion for the Game

When not at work, Alan could be found on the golf course. Alan grew up playing golf at Druid Hills Country Club and joined East Lake Golf Club and The Golf Club at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee after graduating from college. A near-scratch golfer, Alan adored the game and approached it with determination and discipline. Every two years he and a group of friends went to either Ireland or Scotland to play on the world’s most famous courses.

Alan joined the family company after graduating from Emory University in 1988. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity and a member of the Emory soccer team. Alan graduated from Oxford College of Emory University in 1986 where he was recognized as the “Dooley” Spokesman, and from Druid Hills High School in 1984. He earned his Eagle Scout award in 1982.

We appreciate your support of our agency and our family. We encourage you to live life as Alan played golf: “Grip it! Rip it! Leave nothing in the bag!”

Howard-Palmer

Howard Palmer Memoriam

Howard Palmer, a native of North Carolina, moved to Atlanta in 1950 to begin his career in the insurance business with The National Life of Vermont. He was a graduate of Georgia State University with a BS in Accounting and Actuarial Science. Howard and Mary McIntyre married in 1951 and raised 3 children, Myra, Gail and Alan. He started the Agency in 1961 under the name of FISC Investment Services Corporation which was changed in 1994 to The Palmer Agency. There was a time in the history of the agency where his wife and all 3 children worked in the business together. Howard was an avid golfer. He joined Druid Hills Golf Club in the late 1960′s and the revitalized East Lake Golf Club in the mid 90′s.
Howard was a Korean War Veteran, a Lifetime Member of MDRT, was active in industry associations, political action committees, his community, and church.

Howard had a deep passion for his industry and the brokers he served. Up until a few weeks before he passed away, he checked in with the office every day about the business. Mr. Palmer’s vision and love for the insurance business left an indelible mark on all of our lives. In sharing his love for the business, he has provided a legacy from which all of us have benefited for many, many years.

Jimmy-new

James J Harrington

James J Harrington, “Jimmy” or “Hey Jimmy” as known by his friends and co-workers was a native of Atlanta, Georgia. He joined The Palmer Agency in 1982 where he served as Executive Vice President. Jimmy graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1977 and The University of Georgia in 1981 with a Bachelors in Business Administration.

Jimmy was an avid sports fan. He was a Falcon’s season ticket holder and a fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. His very favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends at Crescent River in south Georgia or sunset cruises in his 1955 wooden Chris Craft on Lake Rabun.

Jimmy spent his entire career serving advisors and clients with gracefulness. Even his illness could not keep him from daily operations. Jimmy was a pillar of The Palmer Agency for 32 years. He was more than our colleague, he was our friend and valued partner. His dedication and commitment to our industry will inspire and drive our work for years to come.