Palmer Boast, 87, a lifetime resident of White Hall, passed away at home, Friday, January 30, 2015, surrounded by his family and friends.
Born Virgil Palmer Boast, on June 13, 1927, in Pine Bluff, he was a son of the late John George and Lou Ida Cash Boast. He was reared and received his education in White Hall, graduating from White Hall High School. In 1945 after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a Seaman First Class during World War II.
In 1947, he married Doris Jean McBryde, together they had four daughters and shared nearly sixty-five years, of life, love and memories, until her death in 2012.
Palmer was a bricklayer for over forty years, starting his career with his brother at James Boast Masonry Contractors, working with him for nineteen years. He also worked for Larry Delk Masonry Company and Sosebee Company retiring in 1986. He was a member of the Bricklayers Union since 1948 and received the Outstanding Craftsman Award presented by Arkansas Chapter of Associated General Contractors in 1982.
He was a faithful Christian man and had been an active member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church since 1949. Having served as Sunday school teacher and Assistant B.T.C. teacher and as clerk. He was also a member of Bethany’s Senior Citizens.
Palmer was an active member of his community. He was a charter member of the White Hall Fire Department, serving thirty-four years and a charter member of the White Hall Police Auxiliary, serving thirty-two years. He was also a mason and a member of Jacob Brump Lodge #160, since 1996.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean; his brothers, James, Edgar, and Charlie Boast and his sisters, Ophelia Spray, Inez Socia and Estelle Bridges.
P