UPDATE: The funeral for Chancellor Russell V. Palmore Jr., who died yesterday, will be held on Tuesday, April 12 at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s, Richmond, 815 E. Grace Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. The family will receive visitors on Monday, April 11 from 5-8 p.m., also at St. Paul’s.
Word has been received that Chancellor Russell Palmore of Virginia died suddenly yesterday. The Café extends condolences to his wife, Susan, and all who loved him.
Well done, good and faithful servant. May light perpetual shine upon him.
From Dr. Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies:
Always ready to share his great skill, wit, and insights, Russ was a friend and one of the most faithful people I have ever known. He ” set the bar pretty high” for what it means to be a Deputy. His death leaves a hole in the heart of many and certainly in the House of Deputies. I am so very, very sad, but give great thanks for having him as a friend and colleague.
From the Very Rev. George Werner, past President of the House of Deputies:
One of the very best colleagues, friends, chancellors, you name it… He leaves Susan (His beloved “Armstrong”) his daughters and two sons-in-law who he was recently raving about in a call to me. Rest eternal grant unto him.
From an website of the Diocese of Virginia:
Mr. Russell V. Palmore Jr., chancellor of the Diocese since 1987, died today following cataract surgery. A long-time member of St. Paul’s, Richmond, Mr. Palmore was a towering leader in the Church, both in the Diocese and within the greater Episcopal Church. “Today, the Diocese joins in mourning the loss of one of our greatest leaders,” said the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, bishop. “Russ was a tremendous example of loyalty and dedication to the Episcopal Church.”
Mr. Palmore represented Virginia as a lay deputy to General Convention for eight consecutive triennial Conventions from 1988-2009, and was elected to serve as deputy to the 2012 Convention. A former member of the Standing Committee and the Board of Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia, he was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters by Virginia Theological Seminary in 2008.
“Russ maintained an unparalleled involvement in Church leadership throughout his life, back to the time that he served as a counselor and assistant director at St. George’s Camp at Shrine Mont” said Bishop Johnston. “The Diocese of Virginia has been truly blessed by his continuous and unwavering support and work for the ministry of the Church.”
Mr. Palmore was a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Virginia School of Law, and was a long-timer partner at the Richmond law firm of Mays & Valentine, later known as Troutman Sanders.
Please keep his wife, Susan, his daughters, grandson and the Palmore family in your thoughts and prayers. The Diocese will make available more information as soon as possible.
From his law firm:
Russ was a friend and beloved partner at Troutman Sanders. Though his passing is difficult for the firm, the firm takes pride in Russ’ legacy – one of camaraderie and friendship among fellow attorneys and staff, and an impeccable and distinguished legal career.
Story from Episcopal News Service here.