Wednesday, August 19, 2026
By Submitted Story on July 15, 2026
Palmer S. Midgett Jr., 86, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026. Born on January 15, 1940, in Norfolk, Virginia, he was the son of Palmer S. Midgett and Wilma Midgett. He grew up alongside his siblings, Claude and Claudette, splitting his childhood between the Outer Banks, North Carolina, and Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Palmer graduated from Fletcher High School in 1958 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 1963. He dedicated his life to the care of chimpanzees, providing love, attention, and advocacy for these remarkable animals. His career took him to numerous universities, including Tulane, Stanford, Georgia State, and the University of Texas. He also traveled to Africa for an unforgettable six-week trip supporting Jane Goodall’s study of chimpanzees.
Upon retiring in 2006, Palmer made Jacksonville his home. He was an active and valued member of the Ancient City and Greater Jacksonville Coin Clubs. Known for his thoughtful nature and caring heart, Palmer will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Palmer is survived by his nephews and nieces; George Huntley Jr. (Billy), Alan Huntley, Suzanne Midgett, Christy Thomas, and Nancy Zepeda; and by cousins Serena Suthers and Warna Gillies. He knew Jesus as his Savior, and his loved ones look forward to reuniting with him one day.
All friends and family are invited to honor Palmer’s life at a memorial gathering at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Twiford Funeral Home, Outer Banks Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Save the Chimps at PO Box 12220, Fort Pierce, FL 34979 (https://savethechimps.org/donatenow/).
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks, 500 Budleigh Street, Manteo, NC, is honored to serve the Midgett family. Condolences and memories may be shared on Palmer’s obituary page at www.TwifordFH.com.
