Corky Palmer

Frederick Anthony “Corky” Palmer III, age 81, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord & Savior, December 16, 2024 after a long battle with a severe lung infection. Corky was born in Pelly, Texas, on December 9, 1943, to Frederick “Fred” Palmer Jr. and Christine “Chris” Palmer.

Corky graduated from Brazosport High School in 1962 and from Southwest Texas State University in 1965. He had 1 child, Brette
Palmer Pounds.

After college, he worked for the family business, Palmer’s Sporting Goods Store in Clute and later owned & operated the store for 25+ years. He served on the Board of Directors for 1st State Bank, Clute, and Brazosport Memorial Hospital and several other local businesses, where he dedicated his time to preserving support for locally owned businesses. He was involved with many organizations throughout his life in Brazoria County and in Texas, including groups to support conservation efforts of land, water and wildlife.

After closing the store in the late 1980s, Corky organized the Sporting Goods Industry to support funding for Texas Parks & Wildlife and with that support, the Legislature and the voters of Texas dedicated the taxes we pay on Sporting Goods to Texas State & Local Parks. He was a supporter of the Parks & Wildlife Foundation Stewards of the Wild program which introduces young professionals to both outdoor experiences including hunting and fishing and opportunities to support conservation and Operation Game Thief which supports the work of Game Wardens throughout Texas.

Corky loved the great outdoors and was always active. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, boat racer (in early adulthood), motorcyclist, boater, dog trainer & competitor, most recently being a member of the National Retriever Club Gunners Guild and enjoyed countless hours on his tractors. He enjoyed every minute of his many outdoor passions until the end of his life.

He was a collector of many things, but, by far the most beautiful & priceless, were his collection of friendships from many states and many walks of life, some newer than others and some lasting as long as 75 years, but each and every one, invaluable to him.

Corky was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his Life Partner, Monterrey Grant; daughter, Brette Pounds and her husband, Cecil Pounds; two grandsons, Stratton & Hayes Pounds; several cousins; and his 4-legged companions, Jazz, Etta, Whiskey, Scarlett, Peaches and Chica, all who loved him dearly.

Corky touched and changed many lives and will be tremendously missed.

A Memorial Service & Celebration of his life will be held on January 11th at 2:00 p.m. at his farm in Winchester. There will be a time during the service for stories and memories for anyone wishing to share. An assortment of his favorite foods from his local restaurant/post office, Murphy’s, in Winchester, will be served after the memorial service. All are encouraged to stay, enjoy & visit.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Corky’s name can be made to:
1. Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy @lastchanceforever.org
2. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation Stewards of the Wild @TPWF.org
3. Operation Game Thief @ogttx.org

The family is grateful for all the many friends who have reached out during this time. It has been an honor and a blessing to visit with each of you, hear a story (or 2) and countless heartfelt words about Corky.

“Dad, Abuelo, Corky, friend, you will be missed terribly, rest peacefully until we are together again…”

Farm address is 1468 FM 153, Smithville TX 78945. For additional information or questions, call Brette at (512) 784-5445.