William Byrd High School Alumni
Vinton, Virginia (VA)
In Memory of
Bruce Alan Palmer
1955-2026
Born Nov 21, 1955, Bruce Alan Palmer attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA.
Class of 1974
Nov 21, 1955 - Jun 18, 2026
Nov 21, 1955 - Jun 18, 2026
Bruce Alan Palmer, 70 of Roanoke, VA entered his Heavenly home on Thursday, June 18, 2026 surrounded by family. As Bruce fought a year-long courageous battle with cancer, his faith in the Lord never wavered; he continued to put his hope and trust in Jesus and daily reminded family and friends that "The Lord is still good." Born on November 21, 1955, in Roanoke, he was the son of the late Kenis and Margaret Palmer. In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Ronald Rolen of Bluefield, VA. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Susan Palmer and his beloved children, Jessica (Will) Blaylock, Bruce (Jordan) Palmer, Casey (J.D.) Taylor, and Bailey Palmer. His legacy and love for the Lord will continue through his grandchildren, Cassidy Caldwell, Bentlee Palmer, Micah Palmer, Lillian Taylor, Hadley Taylor, Jonathan Taylor; and his great granddaughter, Aubrianna Franklin who all knew him as Pawpaw. Also surviving Bruce is his brother, David (Becky) Palmer; sister, Brenda (Tino) Maciel; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Bruce will be especially missed by his Goldendoodle and best buddy, Murphy. Bruce loved his family deeply and in the same way, he loved people; he was everyone's biggest fan and often referred to as being larger than life. Known to all as "Big Bruce" he had a gentle spirit and an incredible heart for anyone who lacked in any way, especially children.
Bruce was a graduate of William Byrd High School where he earned many awards and recognitions as a standout football player and wrestler, including Virginia State Wrestling Champion his junior and senior year. After graduating high school, Bruce attended Fork Union Military Academy for a year before his success in football led him to the University of Maryland where he played for the Terps under College Football Hall of Fame coach Jerry Cliaborne from 1976 to 1978. A standout All-ACC defensive lineman, he earned varsity letters during all three seasons and tied the single-season school record for sacks with 13 during his senior year. Notably, the record that he tied was set by Randy White of the Dallas Cowboys and was just broken a couple of years ago. When his collegiate career concluded, football continued for Bruce as he played for the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League in 1979. When he returned home from Canada, he wrapped up his playing years at Victory Stadium with the semi-pro football team, the Virginia Hunters.
Around the same time, Bruce began his career with the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office where he reached the rank of sergeant and is remembered by longtime coworkers as a gentle giant who loved his family and the Lord. After 25 years of service he retired and took on a new role as a bus driver for Roanoke City Public Schools. After transporting children for many years, he began driving for The Glebe Retirement Community, transporting seniors to appointments and errands until he was no longer able to walk without pain.
Bruce had a deep love for the game of football and was able to build a remarkable career pursuing his lifelong passion for sports, particularly football. In the early 80's, he began officiating high school football with the Western Football Officials Association. From there, he went on to officiate college football in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. In 1991, he began his career as an umpire with the Big East Conference. A few years later in 1995, he had the opportunity to officiate several games in the World League of American Football which took him to Europe. In the early 2000's, he transitioned from the Big East to the Atlantic Coast Conference to serve as a replay official up until 2023. His officiating career included calling many notable games such as the 1993 Fiesta Bowl, 2000 Rose Bowl, 2004 Sugar Bowl, and 2006 Orange Bowl.
About a year prior to learning of his diagnosis, Bruce was inducted into the Roanoke Valley Wrestling Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. He was also a recipient of the Gold Whistle Award at the Blue Ridge Football Officials Clinic, which he later served as a proud Committee Member. Additionally, Bruce served as coach and mentor to many youth and teens in the Roanoke Valley.
His love for the Lord encompassed everything he did. Bruce served faithfully as a member of Life Tabernacle Church in Vinton, VA from the time he was born until his last days. Bruce was a board member, trustee, and member of the Men's Group. He volunteered for many youth events and fundraisers, supported global and local missions, was a part of the church expansion alongside his father-in-law, who constructed the classrooms and bathrooms for the new building.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice, especially his nurse, Kristin, for their compassionate care, support, and guidance during this difficult time. Special thanks to the team at Blue Ridge Cancer Center, especially Doctor Kochenderfer and his nurse practitioner, Jolee.
Visitation will be held at Life Tabernacle Church (801 Virginia Ave, Vinton, VA 24179) on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm. A celebration of Bruce's life will begin immediately following. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Life Tabernacle Church or the Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House (4751 Cove Rd, Roanoke, VA 24017).
Arrangements by Roanoke Cremations. 540-982-3894.
Bruce was a graduate of William Byrd High School where he earned many awards and recognitions as a standout football player and wrestler, including Virginia State Wrestling Champion his junior and senior year. After graduating high school, Bruce attended Fork Union Military Academy for a year before his success in football led him to the University of Maryland where he played for the Terps under College Football Hall of Fame coach Jerry Cliaborne from 1976 to 1978. A standout All-ACC defensive lineman, he earned varsity letters during all three seasons and tied the single-season school record for sacks with 13 during his senior year. Notably, the record that he tied was set by Randy White of the Dallas Cowboys and was just broken a couple of years ago. When his collegiate career concluded, football continued for Bruce as he played for the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League in 1979. When he returned home from Canada, he wrapped up his playing years at Victory Stadium with the semi-pro football team, the Virginia Hunters.
Around the same time, Bruce began his career with the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office where he reached the rank of sergeant and is remembered by longtime coworkers as a gentle giant who loved his family and the Lord. After 25 years of service he retired and took on a new role as a bus driver for Roanoke City Public Schools. After transporting children for many years, he began driving for The Glebe Retirement Community, transporting seniors to appointments and errands until he was no longer able to walk without pain.
Bruce had a deep love for the game of football and was able to build a remarkable career pursuing his lifelong passion for sports, particularly football. In the early 80's, he began officiating high school football with the Western Football Officials Association. From there, he went on to officiate college football in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. In 1991, he began his career as an umpire with the Big East Conference. A few years later in 1995, he had the opportunity to officiate several games in the World League of American Football which took him to Europe. In the early 2000's, he transitioned from the Big East to the Atlantic Coast Conference to serve as a replay official up until 2023. His officiating career included calling many notable games such as the 1993 Fiesta Bowl, 2000 Rose Bowl, 2004 Sugar Bowl, and 2006 Orange Bowl.
About a year prior to learning of his diagnosis, Bruce was inducted into the Roanoke Valley Wrestling Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. He was also a recipient of the Gold Whistle Award at the Blue Ridge Football Officials Clinic, which he later served as a proud Committee Member. Additionally, Bruce served as coach and mentor to many youth and teens in the Roanoke Valley.
His love for the Lord encompassed everything he did. Bruce served faithfully as a member of Life Tabernacle Church in Vinton, VA from the time he was born until his last days. Bruce was a board member, trustee, and member of the Men's Group. He volunteered for many youth events and fundraisers, supported global and local missions, was a part of the church expansion alongside his father-in-law, who constructed the classrooms and bathrooms for the new building.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice, especially his nurse, Kristin, for their compassionate care, support, and guidance during this difficult time. Special thanks to the team at Blue Ridge Cancer Center, especially Doctor Kochenderfer and his nurse practitioner, Jolee.
Visitation will be held at Life Tabernacle Church (801 Virginia Ave, Vinton, VA 24179) on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm. A celebration of Bruce's life will begin immediately following. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Life Tabernacle Church or the Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House (4751 Cove Rd, Roanoke, VA 24017).
Arrangements by Roanoke Cremations. 540-982-3894.