yesterday's tennessee

C. A. PALMER

Chapter XIV

C.A. Palmer, former educator and business man was born August 1, 1903 in the rural area of Obion County, the last child of Dr. T.P. Palmer and Lonnie Glenn Palmer. To this union was born three sons, our subject and Liet. Coin. of U.S. Navy, M. W. Palmer of San Diego, and Capt. K. W. Palmer, U.S. Navy retiree of Daytona Beach, Florida. Two daughters, Mrs. Agnes McCutchin of Tombstone, Ariz. and Mrs. Glennie (E. T.) Jones of Union City.

Palmer came to Decatur County in 1927 from Bethel College in McKenzie. He began teaching and coaching in Decaturville High School. He played an important part in Athletic program of the school having been the first football coach. While teaching in Decaturville, he was instrumental in the building of Decaturville gymnasium. Two years later he moved to Parsons where he served as principal of Parsons High School. Here again he was athletic minded and served as principal for nine years. His athletic career includes football, basketball, baseball, Track, field events and tennis. He has served in school work a total of nineteen years. A gym was built in Parsons during his first year of teaching here.

He served as Decatur County Superintendant of schools. Under his term of office the school warrants, which has been discounted as much as 25%, became redeemable.

He married Ruth Adair, daughter of Albert and Annie Pankey Adair.

In 1945 the couple became engaged in the Mercantile business and opened a shoppe called "Palmer and Adair".

The couples first child, a son was born and lived only two days. Then two daughters came to bless their home, Mary Ann, born Feb. 29th, 1932, who married Judge Grady Crawley and Doris married Dwight Mays and they had two children, Tommy and Jana. Dwight met with a tragic death and she later married Hugh Homan and they have one child, Julie Adair Homan. Doris is engaged in the teaching profession, and Hugh is an opomologist.

Mary Ann and Grady have four children, Karen Broadway, Beth Van Diver; Amy and Joel, who are in school. The Broadway's have two children, Scott and Christie. He is a preacher and teacher.