Dana O. Palmer was a force to be reckoned with in Radford High School Bobcat Football in Radford, Virginia. At 5-foot-3 he rushed for 3,245 yards and 44 touchdowns. He was known as "The Smurf” among other nicknames that were given to him over the years.

In 1988, Dana Odell Palmer graduated from Radford High School. During Dana’s tenure as a Radford High School student, he became the most popular person in school. He was recognized for his stocky but diminutive stature and polite demeanor. Despite his physical size he was a giant on the football field. Anyone who ever saw him play the game of football was in awe of Dana’s accomplishments on the football field. He became a legend; his nature was kind and gentle off the football field. Everyone that was lucky enough to know Dana felt the love that shined from his smile into our hearts. After high school, Dana became a civil servant. He was a deputy Sheriff at Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department and later became a Sergeant. He treated the prisoners there no different than he treated his friends and family. Everyone was equal in Dana’s eyes. Dana did not see the bad in people, only the good and that is what made him special. He was married and the father of four children. Mr. Palmer was dedicated to friends and family. He was hardworking, honest, kind and true. 

A facebook page has been established in Dana’s memory to give honor to him called Dana Palmer Memorial Page that you can visit and share memories at https://www.facebook.com/DanaPalmerMemorialPage

Please sign our online petition to help us get enough people to have Dana's #3 high school football jersey retired in his honor and memory forever.