Ben Allen
October 8, 1949 – April 29, 2023
Ben was born to Arthur Gilbert Allen and Jessie Thomas Vessels in Hartselle, Alabama. Family always came first with Ben. He was a wonderful husband and loving father, son, and brother. He was so proud of his daughter and enjoyed everything in which she was involved. Watching her dance was one of his favorite things. He attended all competitions and recitals and sat through hours of dances in order to support his girl.
Ben started working at McDonald’s at age 13 and eventually worked into management and then was supervisor. The owner took him on as a minor partner and later he became a partner in Long John Silver’s and Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. Ben was active in the Huntsville Restaurant Association and held many offices. He was a dedicated volunteer for The Taste of Huntsville, serving as co-chair several times. The Alabama State Restaurant Association selected him as “Salut Au Restaurateur” of Alabama in 1988. The Jerrico Corp. recognized him as Lee’s Famous Recipe Franchisee of the Year in the late ’80’s.
In high school, Ben was a talented basketball player. He was recognized with several honors in tournaments and helped lead the team to an appearance in the state championship. He was inducted into the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Ben was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church. He was part of the committee that was instrumental in moving University Methodist and becoming Grace. After retirement, he became the facilities manager at Grace for several years.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Runge Allen; daughter, Brittany Allen Mefford (Skylar); brother, Robert Allen; sister, Diane Hardin; many nieces and nephews, and other family members.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Bryan Sisson officiating. Burial will be in the Runge Family Cemetery in Falkville, AL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Leash on Life Animal Rescue.
