Obituary
Thomas Alexander Palmer, Jr., 82, passed away peacefully at home on December 23, 2025. Born on June 21, 1943, in Orlando, Florida, he was the son of the late Thomas A. Palmer and Alma Lucile O’Berry.
Tom grew up in Central Florida and graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School in 1961. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Florida in 1966, followed by a Master of Business Administration from San Diego State University in 1972. His professional career spanned several decades and included positions with General Dynamics in San Diego, Martin Marietta in Orlando, and Systems Planning Corporation in Arlington, Virginia, where he contributed to programs supporting the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
A lifelong learner with a keen analytical mind, Tom began collecting coins as a teenager, a passion that grew into a distinguished avocational career. He was an author, lecturer, and exhibitor of ancient coinage and served in leadership roles across numerous numismatic organizations. He was president of the Maryland Numismatic Association, the Baltimore Coin Club, the Central Florida Coin Club, and the Ancient Numismatic Society of Washington, D.C. He also served for sixteen years on the Board of Directors of the Florida Numismatic Association. His expertise, generosity, and enthusiasm for the hobby influenced collectors across the country.
Tom’s interests extended far beyond numismatics. He was an avid bicyclist, a devoted bridge player, a lover of board games, and an enthusiastic international traveler. His curiosity about the world and his joy in exploring it were constants throughout his life.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Breland Palmer; his son, T. Alex Palmer (Vicky); his daughter, Cindy Palmer (Andy); and his grandchildren, Ava Muzzy, Evan Muzzy, Christian Palmer, and Austin Palmer, all of whom brought him immense pride and happiness.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 6th, at 11:00 a.m. at Edgewater New Smyrna Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ALS Association Florida Chapter, 3242 Parkside Center Circle, Tampa, FL 33619.
Tom will be remembered for his intellect, his integrity, his dedication to family, and his lifelong pursuit of knowledge. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the passions he inspired.
Gary Lewis
ANA Past President
Your beautiful wife, my sister Barbara, treated you like a king. Especially true in those last years of your life when you were immobile. She made sure you got to work your crossword puzzle every day, and your Jeopardy calendar. She went on wonderful adventures with you all over Europe and the UK. Those memory albums she formatted brought so much happiness to you both while you were ill.
Your interest in life was a keen one, always curious, always seeking knowledge.
Rest well, fighting Gator and know that you were loved.
Tom and Barbara were members of a Gourmet Dinner club that had it's origins at Martin Marietta. This picture is from January of 2002. The Palmers were in town visiting and attended.
Tom and his cousin Steve during a 3000 mile bike tour of Europe in 1962.
As of 2000, my wife and I have been living in New Zealand, and are now citizens. As an 83 year old person, travel is more difficult, but I'm hoping to return for a short visit to Florida next year, and to visit Tom's grave site. RIP, Tom!