Jeremy Thomas Palmer

In Loving Memory of Jeremy Thomas Palmer

April 13, 1978 – June 9, 2025

Jeremy Thomas Palmer, 47, of Davenport, FL, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born on April 13, 1978, in Bossier City, Louisiana, Jeremy lived a life marked by devotion—to his family, his students, and the game he loved.

Jeremy was the cherished son of Shelia Morrison Bridges and Thomas Palmer and grew up in Bossier City with his younger brother, Jonathan. A graduate of Parkway High School, where he played football, he continued his education at Mississippi College, where he also played football, forging lifelong friendships and deepening his love for the sport. Jeremy later completed his studies at Louisiana Technical College.

Since 2013, Jeremy fulfilled his calling as a teacher and high school football coach—a role that combined his passion for the game with his heart for mentoring young people. He served at Celebration High School from 2014 to 2024, where he became a fixture in the school community and a role model for hundreds of student-athletes. In 2024, he took on the role of head coach at University High School, where his impact was immediate and lasting.

Whether on the sidelines, in the classroom, or cheering on his favorite team, Jeremy was always surrounded by the game and by those who loved it with him. His players adored him—not just for his coaching skill, but for the way he believed in them, encouraged them, and pushed them to become better young adults on and off the field.

Jeremy married Margaret “Shannon” Lynch, in 2001. Together they built a home filled with love and laughter, and a continuous passion for sports which he shared with his children.  He leaves behind his children, Sarra Machele Palmer, Zachery Thomas Palmer, and Talia Blair Palmer. He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Shannon” Palmer; father, Thomas Palmer; mother, Shelia Morrison Palmer Bridges; stepfather, Buddy Bridges; brother, Jonathan Palmer and wife Carissa; his paternal grandmother, Jeanette Palmer; his nieces and nephews Shael Palmer, Mady Palmer, and Eli Palmer; his maternal grandfather, William Morrison; as well as other aunts, uncles and cousins. He opened his heart and his home to many young people through the years, including Lucas Woo and Ben Keith, whom he called his adopted “sons”. Jeremy was mentored and supported through the years by many close friends, including Coach Jay Sobke; Coach Thomas Bonanne; Amanda Jacobs; Thomas Ott, principal of University High School; Nikki Norvell; Coach Dennis Thomas Mr. Conner Gilbert, former principal of Celebration High School; and Coach Chad Springer.

Jeremy was a coach, a mentor, a husband, a father, a brother, and a friend. His legacy lives on not only in his family but in the countless lives he touched through every practice, every pep talk, and every game. Jeremy will be remembered for his steadfast spirit, his easy smile, his vast sneaker collection, his unwavering commitment to sports—and to the families, students, and fans who gave it life.

Jeremy was deeply loved and will be forever missed.

His family appreciates the support from Pastor Joel Johns and staff from Cornerstone Church of Davenport, the staff at Good Shepherd Hospice, Kevin Douglas, staff of Oak Ridge Funeral Care, and the oncology team of Orlando Regional Hospital.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made at  https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/the-foundation-for-orange-county-public-schools-inc/supporting-jeremy-palmer