Henry Palmer Proctor

Henry Palmer Proctor was a man of faith, devoted to his family, a true gentleman, and a friend to many. He was born in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 4, 1941, and died in Tallahassee, Florida, on May 9, 2024. Palmer was preceded in death by his loving parents Sarah Ball and Julian Proctor, Sr. He was married to his very best friend, Mary Call Collins Proctor, for almost 62 years. As he often said, marrying her was the best decision he ever made. Palmer’s example of love, kindness, devotion, intelligence, and ability to recognize and appreciate the unique gifts of others made him a genuine and trusted confidant to his family and all who knew him. Palmer graduated from Leon High School (1959), Florida State University (1963), and the University of Florida College of Law (1965). He enjoyed the brotherhood of the SAE fraternity. After law school, he clerked for Justice Richard W. Ervin of the Supreme Court of Florida. Palmer joined the law firm of Ausley & McMullen in 1968 and was a partner until his retirement in 2015. Palmer had great respect for the previous generations and his relationships with them inspired his deep commitment to serving his community. His genuine interest in people of all ages enriched his life and theirs. An active member of Tallahassee’s civic community, Palmer served as President or Chair of: Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Maclay School, Exchange Club, Cotillion Club, North Florida Community Foundation, Tallahassee Housing Authority, Tallahassee Friends of Our Parks Foundation, and Saint John’s Episcopal Church Vestry. He was a founding director of Big Bend Hospice Foundation, the Governors Club, and the Bryan W. Robinson Neurologic Foundation. He also served in leadership roles with Capitol Center Planning Commission and Tallahassee Area Chamber of Commerce. A good day for Palmer included a cup of coffee with Mary Call, St. John’s Men’s Bible Study, donuts with a grandchild, celebrating a 25-cent hole with his Havana golf buddies, and a late afternoon on his porch enjoying music, reading, and visiting with family and friends. Being with those he loved delighted him. All could count on him to see the good in them, listen with non-judgmental love and offer wise counsel. Palmer is survived by his wife, Mary Call, and their children Mary Call Ford (Mott), Henry Palmer Proctor, Jr. (Holly), LeRoy Collins Proctor (Katie), and Sarah Ball Miller (Rollins). Palmer is also survived by his grandchildren Mott (Kearney), Proctor (Emma), and Call Ford; Holland, Sarah, and Palmer Proctor; Collins, Clay, and William Proctor; Mary Call, Hayne, Rollins, and Ann Proctor Miller. Also surviving Palmer are his siblings Hester Gehrm, Julian (Betty), Tom (Nancy), and Martin (Susan) Proctor, and the many nieces, nephews, family, and friends whom he adored. His sister Sarah Proctor Crowder and brothers-in-law John Gehrm and Sammie Crowder predeceased him. Palmer’s funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 15, 3:00 p.m., at St. John’s Episcopal Church, with a reception following in the church’s parish hall. In lieu of flowers, Palmer suggested a donation to St. John’s Episcopal Church Foundation (211 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301), Friends of Our Parks (1201 Myers Park Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301) or Proctor Endowment for Children with Diabetes (TMHFoundation.org or TMH Foundation, 1331 East 6th Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32303). Rocky Bevis and Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Henry Palmer Proctor

January 4, 1941 - May 9, 2024