George Constantine Palmer was born May 19, 1932 in Kingston, Jamaica to John Palmer and Hepzibath Palmer, both of whom preceded him in death. To this union two children were born, John (eldest) and George Palmer.
Dr. Palmer received his early education in Kingston, Jamaica at Kingston College (KC). He was educated during the time of segregation, however, this did not deter his pursuit of success and higher learning. After graduating Kingston College with honors, he received a full scholarship to Dillard University in New Orleans where he majored in Pre-medicine. He graduated from Dillard University Magna Cum Lauda in May 1953. After briefly studying at the New York University, he relocated to Heidelberg, Germany where he enrolled in the Heidelberg University School of Medicine. He graduated medical school with honors in 1957 and completed residency training in General Surgery in 1962. Dr. Palmer was a staff physician at the Heidelberg University Hospital for many years and later the Krankenhaus Hetzelstift.
Dr. Palmer met the love of his life, Wanda Paula Johnson who preceded him in death. They were married in Basal, Switzerland. To this union, one child was born, F George Palmer II. As dedicated members of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, they were both chartering members the organizations in Germany. After Mrs. Palmer’s death in 1992, Dr. Palmer continued his work in the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and remained faithful until his health failed.
The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was the heart of Dr. Palmer. He was initiated in the Beta Gamma Chapter at Dillard University in 1949 at age 16. A visionary, Dr. Palmer was chartering member of the Germany Alumni Chapter of his beloved Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. The chapter was chartered on June 3, 1964, and Dr. Palmer served as its first Polemarch, a post he would hold for the next 14 consecutive years. Dr. Palmer is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi (56 years) and has received numerous service and recognition awards from the Grand Chapter.
His work done and his body weary, in humble submission, Dr. F. George Palmer departed this life on Thursday morning, September 29, 2005 at the Krieskrankenhaus in Schwetzingen, Germany. He leaves to cherish his memories one son Mr. F. George Palmer II (Decatur, Ga); two nephews Dereck Palmer (Maplewood, NJ) & Huntley Palmer (Philadelphia, PA); two nieces Joan Palmer (Maplewood, NJ) & Danise Nelson (Brooklyn, NY); and host of Fraternal Brothers, Colleagues, and Friends.