Allen Strickland was born on January 23, 1970, in Nuremberg, Germany, to Donnie Strickland, Sr., and the late Flora Lee Horne Strickland. Throughout his life, Allen was devoted to his family, his country, and the community he proudly served. He will be remembered for his servant’s heart, his unwavering dedication to others, and the kindness and compassion he shared with those around him.
On January 1, 2017, Allen was united in marriage to Millie Clayton, beginning a cherished chapter of their lives together.
Allen proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1988 to 1992 and later served in support of Operation Noble Eagle from 2001 to 2002. His commitment to service continued throughout his professional life, where he dedicated decades to protecting, serving, and caring for the people of McNairy County.
Allen pursued extensive education and professional training throughout his career. He attended the Community College of the Air Force a Law Enforcement Specialist Academy and San Antonio College – Texas Law Enforcement Academy, where he earned his state certification as a law enforcement officer. He later earned a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University. He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, an achievement that reflected his commitment to professional excellence and public service.
Allen began his law enforcement career as a patrolman with the Selmer Police Department, serving from 1993 to 1997. He then served as Chief Deputy with the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office from 1997 to 2016. In 2016, he began serving as Director of Emergency Management for McNairy County, a position he held until his retirement in September of 2026. In addition to his many responsibilities, Allen served as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin’s Selmer campus, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation.
His dedication to public safety extended well beyond his professional duties. Allen was a certified Tennessee Emergency Management Agency instructor and a FEMA Incident Command System instructor. He was a member of the FBI National Academy Associates, a founding member of the McNairy County Veterans Coalition, and a member of the McNairy County 911 Board, the Emergency Management Association of Tennessee, and the McNairy County United Way Emergency Food and Shelter Program Board. Through these roles, he continued to give his time, knowledge, and leadership to strengthen the community he loved.
One of the most meaningful moments in Allen’s life came in 2010, when he received a kidney transplant from his coworker and dear friend, Theresa Huckabee. Her extraordinary gift changed his life and gave him precious additional time with the people he loved. It was a remarkable act of generosity that Allen and those close to him would always remember with gratitude.
Among Allen’s many talents and passions was his special connection with dogs. As a canine handler, he and his beloved dog, Zak, competed in the Police Dog Olympics and brought home a win. Allen had a natural gift for understanding and connecting with animals, earning him the affectionate nickname “dog whisperer.” His bond with Zak was just one more example of the patience, gentleness, and caring spirit that defined him.
Above all his professional accomplishments, Allen will be remembered for his servant’s heart. He believed in putting others before himself and lived that belief through his service to his country, his community, and the people who needed him most. He had a special place in his heart for children and generously gave his time and resources to numerous children’s organizations. Whether through his work, his volunteer service, or a simple act of kindness, Allen sought to make a difference in the lives of others.
To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as “A,” a special name that reflected the love and place he held in their lives. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Michie, Tennessee, where his faith was an important part of his life.
Allen departed this life on October 19, 2026, in Michie, Tennessee, at the age of 56 years, 8 months, and 26 days. Though his passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who loved him, his legacy of service, generosity, and compassion will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.
He is survived by his loving wife, Millie Strickland of Michie, Tennessee; his father, Donnie Strickland, Sr. and wife Annette of Ramer, Tennessee; his children: Ariana Strickland of Spout Spring, Virginia; Warren Strickland and wife Shelby of Michie, Tennessee; Hailee Strickland of Michie, Tennessee; Hunter Dawson and wife Kara of Selmer, Tennessee; and Hailey Gentry and husband Nic of Ramer, Tennessee; and his five beloved grandchildren, Emilee Strickland, Aubree Gates, Flora Strickland, Ivy Gentry, and Tommie Jane Dawson.
He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Jennie Magrogan of Selmer, Tennessee; his brother, Donnie Strickland, Jr. of Ramer, Tennessee; his sister, Lori Strickland of Ramer, Tennessee; his brother-in-law, Jeremy Clayton and wife Joanna of Selmer, Tennessee; along with a host of extended family members and dear friends.
Allen’s life was a testament to the power of service, the importance of family, and the difference one person can make in the lives of others. He gave generously, loved deeply, and devoted himself to helping those around him. While he will be greatly missed, the lessons he taught, the lives he changed, and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and community for generations to come.
