William Atkinson Palmer died Aug. 19, 2021 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Bethlehem. He was born in Nyack, N.Y. He was the husband of the late Mary Elizabeth “Mary Beth” (Waldron) Palmer.

He earned an economics degree from Lafayette College.

He was employed with Noville, Pollack’s Frutal Works, Hercules Chemical and Haarman & Reimer. He was a part of the ‘time-release’ (Encap) revolution of the ’60s, which produced encapsulated fragrance and medicine.

He was a juried multi prize-winning watercolor painter.

He is survived by children Jeffrey and Carol Palmer, David Palmer and Mike Chinn, Craig and Rita Palmer, Carole and Paul Mesko and Scott and Marie Palmer; grandchildren Kevin and Jillian; and Kristen and Brian; Luke, Allison; Kyle, Matthew; Betsy and Margaret; great-grandchildren Keegan, Morgan, Colton and Maggie; a brother, John Palmer; nieces and nephews Sally and Dennis Bechara, John David and Douglas Palmer; and great-nieces Tamara and Alexandra and their families.

He was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Fern, and a niece, Nancy .

Arrangements were made by James Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.