Brooks Ripley Palmer passed away in his home on Amelia Island with his loving family by his side, on November 25, 2022. Born in 1941 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Richard and Jeanette Palmer.
Brooks graduated from St. Albans, The National Cathedral School for Boys and attended Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. He received his MBA from The University of Maryland, Smith School of Finance.
While in graduate school, Brooks joined the D. C. Air National Guard Unit at Andrews Air Force Base where his unit was deployed to Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Homestead, Fl. Air Force bases during the Vietnam war.
Upon discharge from the Air Force, he went to work for the Rouse Company in Baltimore, MD. where he became a Development Director for the new town of Columbia, MD. He soon joined the National Housing Partnership in Washington, D.C. where he became President. After merger with Trafalgar House P.L.C. of London, England, Brooks became Executive Vice President of the Maryland operations and retired as Executive Vice President in 2001.
In 1994 Brooks bought a condo on the ocean at the Amelia Island Plantation as a second home. Upon his retirement, he moved full time to Amelia Island from Ellicott City, MD. where he met Donna McElroy. They have been together ever since and would have celebrated their 20th anniversary together on December 6.
Brooks was an avid jogger for 40 years and ran numerous 10K and 5K races in FL., MD. and Washington, D.C. He also enjoyed the beach and ocean lifestyle here. He was an avid ocean swimmer with a great affinity for the ocean.
He loved people and wanted to give back to the community. He volunteered 15 years for Baptist Medical Center Auxiliary, giving over 200 hours a year.
Brooks is survived by Donna McElroy, a sister, Hollis Younger (John) and three daughters, Melanie Peterson (Mike), Heather Tarter (Robbie) and Kimberly Palmer. He has seven grandchildren and one great grandson.
Brooks will always be remembered for his love of life and his contagious smile.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Amelia Plantation Chapel.