From the 1960s until the early 1980s Palmer was very active in political, civic and religious activities in the state. His generosity was extended to individuals and various organizations like the NAACP.
Palmer's efforts were often behind-the-scenes whether raising money to support those in jail for civil rights activities or allowing Freedom Riders to stay at his home during their journey through the South. He was a member of, the executive committee of the Voter Education Project at the state and national level, the Economic Development Commission of Sumter and the Sumter County Economic Development Advisory Committee.
