Birth date: Mar 20, 1937 Death date: Jan 24, 2022
Decatur - Rev. Miley Embry Palmer, 84, of Decatur, died January 24, 2022. Miley was born March 20, 1937, in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of Guy E and Guion Palmer. He grew up in Hartford, Illinois. He graduated from McKendree Univer Read Obituary
My Dad, Rev. Jerry Nichols spoke of your friendship so many times over the years. Thank you for being my Dad's friend. Julie Nichols
To Rev. Palmers’s family, please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of a great man. My husband and I had the honor of knowing Rev. Palmer. He was truly a beautiful soul who absolutely loved sharing his love and faith with the people he met.
Richard & Teri Bailey
Rev. Palmer was a great minister, in my opinion. I, who was pretty uneasy in any Christian church as a younger man, found it easy to listen to his sermons and easy to talk to him.
He convinced me that Jesus was concerned about child abuse, by quoting this passage: "But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea."--Matthew 18:6
He also convinced me that you have to follow belief with action.
I don't know why I was moved to look him up; when I did, I found his obituary, and was saddened to find out that he had passed away. At least I can count him in as a member of my "spirit team" now....
Rest in peace, Reverend Palmer.
To Jan and family,
I remember when Mile helped heal Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in time of need between pastors. I really appreciated how Miley brought our congregation together especially in closing our services by circling up and joining hands before we left the sanctuary.
Miley and my Jan can now sing praises together from above.
God Bless all of you in this next journey in your life.
John and Molly Pierce
Dear Jan, Our hearts go out to you and your family. Miley's death is a great loss but his life was a great blessing. We have always loved and respected you and Miley since we met at Calvary Methodist Church in Normal,Il in the1960s. Miley married us on June 14, 1969, and we contacted him on our 50th anniversary in 2019 to thank him for marrying us. We will join you for the livestream of his funeral on Feb. 12. Please keep our love with you in the days ahead.
My thoughts and prayers are with Miley's wife and family. I was saddened to hear of his passing. Miley served an important role as a member of the Decatur Memorial Hospital Institutional Review Board. He was an integral part of getting clinical trials available for our patient and served as great advocate for them. I have been gone from DMH research team for 5 years now, but I remember fondly all the monthly conversations he and I would have during our IRB meeting/lunch. Miley was a very compassionate, thoughtful, and giving man. Without a doubt, the world was a better place because Miley was part of it.
Karen Cheek
Janet, Beth, Mary Kay, Micheal and Patti,
So very many years ago, on Robinwood Drive, I would babysit you four lovely children. As a young teenager I loved to hang around your house (even when not working) having conversation and learning life lessons from your parents. I remember how "cool" I thought your dad was because he loved Simon & Garfunkel and played their album. (My parents didn't even know who S&G were.) Thanks to today's social media I heard of your dad's passing. My sincere sympathy goes to all of you and your families. We know he is in a better place and will see him again one day.
Beth Eiler Barnwell
David and I first met Miley at McKendree University in 1954 and became reacquainted when his ministry brought him to Decatur and eventually to FUMC. I will always be grateful that Miley was willing and able to officiate at David's service after already having done a good friend's service in the morning. What a wonderful pastor and friend. I pray for God's blessing and loving care on Janet and his family. Carol Diehl
Miley had his student minister in Woodland, Illinois and lived in the house that my Grandfather built. When we moved to Normal, my said you have to go to the church where Miley is the minister. The rest is history for the Cavitt family. Miley has his family were close to us and kids were near the same age. Loved Miley and the whole family. Love and prayers go to the family. Roger Cavitt
Dear Janet,
What a special joy it has been to be able to spend time visiting with you and Miley in the last several months. To get to know better the woman behind the man--what a tremendous partner and helpmate you have been. We were so blessed that Miley was able to give the message at Mom's funeral. You are much loved. Praying for you and your family as you move through the days & months & years to come.
The family of Dick & Joyce Reeves
Dick, Jim & Trish ❤️
