Palmer Robbins, a Christmas baby, born December 24, 1921, left on his final voyage, July 14, 2017 at Sentara Nursing Center, Norfolk Va. After an active 95 years and a short illness, his earthly body finally wore out.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette; daughter Judy; sister Mary and brothers Wallace, Raymond, John Jr and Harry. He is survived by his grandson Derek Hoyt; son-in-law Steve Hoyt; sister Sara Douglas; brother Meredith Robbins and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in White Stone Va., the son of John and Annie Robbins, he was the second oldest of eight children, and a lifelong resident of Southeast Virginia.

In his early years, Palmer picked tomatoes and helped the watermen along the Rappahannock River, fishing and crabbing. At 16, he left home to follow his older brother Raymond on the Bay Line Steamers. This started a lifelong career as a Merchant Marine, where he sailed on tankers at the start of WWII. His brother Raymond died when a German U-boat sank the tanker he was aboard. Palmer's mother made him promise to join the Coast Guard as a safer alternative. Once the war was over, he returned to the life of a Merchant Marine where he remained until 1959. At that time, he took a job in the Marine Department at Southern Materials Corporation in Norfolk, Va. There he remained for over 25 years until he retired. During his retirement, he continued to help family and friends for the remainder of his life.

He will be missed.

A graveside service will be held 1:00 p. m. Thursday at White Stone United Methodist Church Cemetery, White Stone, Va. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Currie Funeral Home, Kilmarnock.