Ramon Louis De Palm, Sr.

Ramon Louis De Palm, Sr. passed away peacefully on July 13, 2012. He was 83. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, the late Ruth Mae De Palm who affectionately referred to him as "Hon(ey)". He leaves a legacy of strength to those who survive him: sons, Ramon Louis De Palm II (Tammie), Ricardo Johannes De Palm, Tyrae Muir De Palm, and Linwood "Woody" Finney; daughters, Ramona Ruth De Palm, Romaigne Dorothea De Palm, and Sha'ron Finney; 7 grandchildren and two adorable great-granddaughters; sisters, Cecelia Figueras (Robert), Rosetta Bell (Oliver), Ramona Burns (Wallace) and Mercedes Foster (Batiste); brother, Frederick Elias De Palm; and was preceded in death by brother, John De Palm.

Mr. De Palm retired as First Sergeant (E-8) after 22 years of service in the United States Army. He was a decorated Korean and Vietnam War veteran. He was also an active member of the 188th Aviation Company, 269th Combat Aviation Battalion "Black Widows." Among his innumerable accomplishments are the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat, the Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious service, and completion of the Army Language School where he learned to read, write, and fluently speak Korean. As a civilian, he worked for Ball Metal, Anheuser Busch, and the Newport News Shipyard as a Quality Assurance Inspector, but his passion for the Army led him back to Fort Eustis where he was a Training Instructor for Rotary Wing Aircraft at the Army Aviation Logistics School, Department of Aviation Systems, Utility Helicopter Division where he retired after 30 years.

A viewing in honor of his life will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg, VA on Sunday, July 22, 2012 from 5-8PM. A mass of the Christian burial officiated by Father Charles Ssebalamu will be offered at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg, on Monday, July 23 with final viewing at 8AM and services beginning at 9AM, followed by interment at Hampton Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Wounded Warriors Fund, 4899 Belfort Rd, Ste. 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com.