EL DORADO — Wellington Denny Palmer, Jr.,

91, of El Dorado played his last tennis match Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. Game Set Match.

Born March 15, 1931, in Bell, Calif., he was the grandson of Clyde E. Palmer, founder of Palmer Newspapers, and son of Wellington Duke, Sr. and Maxine Greve Palmer.

Throughout his life he had many professions and hobbies. But it was his love of tennis, which started in high school that resulted in his many lifelong friendships. Denny won many tournaments over the last 75 years as a state champion in Arkansas and throughout the South. His style of tennis played vexed even the most ranked players including his daughter; he would win with creative strategy and determination. Denny, while in his 80’s, won the silver medal in the 2017 Senior Olympics with his doubles partner, Ernie Bucks of Hot Springs.

He was a baseball coach to each of his three sons from little league to the Babe Ruth level. He also competed in NHRA Racing. His trophies fill the house with all these sport accomplishments.

His career path took several interesting turns. He brought his young family out to Arkansas from California at the request of his grandfather, Clyde E. Palmer, to help with the family newspaper business. He was a teacher of printing at El Dorado High School, a commodity futures trader, plumber, carpenter, and pipe fitter.

He served with the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War.

Mr. Palmer was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Virginia Stanhagen.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Sally Palmer; a daughter, Lili Palmer of Little Rock; sons, Derek Palmer of El Dorado, Christian Palmer of Prairie Grove, Ark., and Kip Palmer of El Dorado. Also surviving are grandchildren, Andrew Palmer of Fayetteville, Ark., Petty Officer Third Class Jenifer Palmer stationed in Charleston, S.C., and Brandi Palmer.

We’d like to thank all of the Hospice House staff including Mary Cat for their kindness and compassion.

Cremation services are entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Union County Animal Protection Society (UCAPS), PO Box 204, El Dorado, Ark., 71730, El Dorado Connections, 824 Camp St., El Dorado, Ark., 71730 or the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, PO Box 3964, Batesville, Ark., 72503.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.