Edwin Allen, 83, was peacefully called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, with his wife and loved ones by his side in Vernon, Alabama.
A celebration of Ed’s life will take place on Saturday, May 20, at 2 p.m. with visitation from 12 to 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Vernon, Alabama.
Ed was born November 28, 1933, in Vernon to Joseph Henry and Mattie L. Allen and was the youngest of five children. On February 19, 1955, Ed married his best friend and the love of his life, Betty, whom he supported and loved for over sixty-two years. Ed and Betty enjoyed their time together during his early career traveling the country by train as he played baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1957, Ed and Betty settled in Pickens County Alabama where he began his career in education. Throughout Ed’s profession, he served in various roles which included teacher and coach at Liberty High School, Pickens County, Alabama; Principal at Hackleburg High School, Marion County, Alabama; Superintendent of Education in Lamar County, Alabama; Superintendent of Education, Cullman City School System, Cullman, Alabama.
In addition, Ed served on advisory committees at the county and state levels. He was very instrumental in securing state and federal programs for Lamar County Schools and Cullman City Schools. Ed also helped to implement new allied health programs at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama. He retired from education in 1990 and later served as interim Superintendent of Education for Amory City School System in Mississippi. He took great pride in the state accreditations of Lamar County Schools and was awarded Most Successful Administrator in the state of Alabama in 1969. Always a passionate advocate for students, education, equality, and helping others, Ed served as a voice for those unheard and was an outspoken leader in the communities in which he lived and worked. Ed enjoyed his retirement by spending time with his wife and family, hunting, trips to the gulf and lake, and taking his dogs on long country rides. His love for baseball and all sports continued as he supported his grandchildren in their activities and followed professional baseball and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Not only a faithful husband, Ed was a devoted father to four girls. He is survived by three daughters; Barbara (Jim) Crawford, Pat (Jerry) Maxcy and Sherry (Steve) Frye, and was reunited at the gates of heaven by his fourth daughter, Karen, whom he missed and loved dearly. Those also left to treasure his memory are his grandchildren, Suzanne (Charlie) Oates, Brian (Mindy) Maxcy, Kendall (Matt) Ochocki, Bobby (Alicia) Frye, Bradley Frye, Kerrie (Josh) Logan, Reid Owens, Lane Maxcy, Haley (Drew) Finley, Hilary Cleveland, and Kristina (Hunter) Gregory; great grandchildren John and Jerry Oates, Joe and Luke Maxcy, Brody and Brennan Logan, Kaleb and Kollin Ochocki, Olivianna Frye, and Mills Finley; and a large extended family. Ed was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Mattie L. Allen; daughter, Karen Stanfield; brothers and sister Margaret Crew, Jack Allen, Henry Allen, and Demps Allen.
Always extending a hand, Ed never met a stranger. He enjoyed spending time with friends, both old and new, and welcomed intellectual and heart-felt conversations, especially if it involved history, politics, current events, or baseball. A devout Christian, Ed enjoyed attending and fellow shipping at First Baptist Church, Vernon, and believed in ministering to others. His strong faith and assurance of God’s promises kept him grounded throughout his life and gave him great peace during his brief illness.
Ed was committed to his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grands who all referred to him as “Papa.” As the backbone of his family, he unconditionally loved and supported them by giving guidance and expressing how proud he was of each one. The legacy that Ed leaves is one of love, tenacity, perseverance, and devotion.
