Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Stephen Francis Palmer, 35, of Ripley, Tennessee died on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Covington, Tennessee.
Born Monday, November 5, 1990, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he was a former employee of NSK.
Stephen was a true outdoorsman at heart. He found his greatest peace in the woods and on the water, whether he was duck hunting at daybreak, deer hunting in the quiet of the fall woods, or casting a line while fishing with friends. Nature wasn’t just a hobby for Stephen—it was where he felt most alive. Also he enjoyed being at the beach. One of his greatest memories were time spent building birdhouses with his sons and daughter.
Known for his bigger-than-life personality, Stephen never met a stranger. He had a gift for making people laugh and could light up any room he walked into. He was often the life of the party, telling stories, cracking jokes, and creating moments that those around him will cherish forever. His laughter was contagious, and his presence unforgettable.
A Celebration of Life Gathering for Mr. Palmer will be held at a later date.
He is survived by his wife, Tabitha Low Palmer of Ripley, Tennessee, four sons, Bently Mills of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Chance Francis Palmer of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Drake Remmington Palmer of Dyersburg, Tennessee and Gunner Layne Palmer of Dyersburg, Tennessee. one daughter, Ariana Low-Palmer of Ripley, Tennessee; step-son, Mason Williams of Dyersburg, Tennessee; his mother, Dilania Ann Palmer of Ripley, Tennessee; one brother, Toby Joshua Palmer of Ripley, Tennessee;;grandparents Lorraine and Aaron Lee Carroll of Ripley, Tennessee and aunt, Diannia Lorraine Palmer of Ripley, Tennessee
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Vincent; grandfather, Francis Joseph Palmer, and aunt, Sandra Lee Palmer.
Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Stephen Francis Palmer.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Francis Palmer, please visit our floral store.