VICTOR M PALMORE

MGYSGT Victor Marselles Palmore, age 87 of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at his final residing place in Castroville, Texas.

Mr. Palmore was born on June 9, 1936, in Yoakum, Texas to Annie (Jones) and Samuel Palmore Sr. He was raised and grew up on a farm with his grandparents, the late Pearl and Gene Jones. Victor attended school in Yoakum and graduated from Asberry High School on May 31, 1956, where he established and maintained lifelong friends.

MGYSGT Palmore went on to join the United States Marine Corp in 1956 and retired in 1986, due to health issues. Mr. Palmore, AKA “TOP” specialized as an Infantry Unit Leader for the USMC and US Navy for 19 years and as a Rifleman for 6 years. During his time in the USMC, Mr. Palmore received many honors including Presidential Unit Citation with Gallantry Cross, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Two Letters of Appreciation and Ten Sea Service Deployment Ribbon for Good Conduct. He was always a proud Marine and would always reiterate “Once A Marine, Always A Marine”. Prior to full retirement, TOP Palmore worked as a Barber at Ft. Sam Houston Military Base.

Mr. Palmore was committed to several organizations and associations throughout his adult life. He was a dedicated member of the Van Courtlandt from 1995-2023 where he served as the Head of Courtesy Committee, Picnic Committee and Van Courtlandt Auxiliary Liaison. It has been said by his cohorts that he did everything within his power to make the club successful through his participation in many outreach projects they represented. In 2017, he was honored as a Diamond Life Member of the NAACP. Other organizations included Black Men of America, Marine Corp Association, The American Legion, Lifetime member of the AARP and several others.

Victor was a dedicated Christian and attended Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in person until his health begin to decline. Mr. Palmore insisted that he continued his participation in church services while at his home whether it was via live audio, recordings or through the visits, phone conversations and prayers of Ministers and Deacons of Antioch.

Starting from not having much to creating a life of success, Victor pulled up his bootstraps, endured obstacles, and enjoyed his life to the fullest. He created and expected the best in every situation for himself and anyone around him. He had a heart of gold and a huge smile that was so attractive that once you met him, you could never forget his face. Although very personable, he loved all individuals that were part of his life.

Mr. Palmore was preceded in death by his grandparents: Pearl and Gene; parents: Annie and Samuel Sr.; two brothers: Rainey “Tex” and Samuel “Sammy” Palmore and His lifetime partner and the absolute Love of his life for close to 40 years, Verlene Moore.

He is survived by his children, Victor Palmore, Jr. of Reading, Pennsylvania and Patricia Palmore and Opal Charles, both of San Antonio, Texas. One bonus child Rhonda Scarlett-Tucker (Caesar) of San Antonio, Texas. Four granddaughters: Teresa Gonzales (Glenn), Jasmine Palmore, Jenna Musa, and Kiesha Palmore; Four grandsons: Jose Palmore, Antwan Palmore, Victor Laboy and Juan Palmore (Alicia), and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.