The oldest Allen patriarch, George Washington Allen, Sr. peacefully transitioned this life and received his promise of eternal reward, at the age of 92 on October 22, 2014. He was the fourth child of the late Sherman Allen, Sr. and Lottie Moore Allen. He was also a descendant of a Federal Civil War Soldier. He valued family and his nurturing spirit was the glue that cemented the Allen clan together. He was faithful to God, a devoted father, who loved and provided for his family, a loyal friend, and an inspiration to others.
“I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God.” At the age of seventeen, George confessed a hope in Christ at a Revival Meeting at Camel Chapel Church in Stevenson, Alabama, he united with the Wesley Chapel Methodist Church at Cedar Grove, Alabama. In 1945, he returned to Decatur and joined Jones Chapel Methodist Church. When the church relocated, he united with the Bell Primitive Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Deacons Board and was the oldest deacon in the Mallard Creek Primitive Baptist Association. He treasured the Word of God and enjoyed discussing and studying the Bible. Satisfied with Jesus, he’d often sing, “Good Lord, I’m Rooted, Good Lord I’m Grounded, and I Never Will Die No More” and “I’m Satisfied. He was often called upon to provide comfort in prayers and songs for bereaved families.
A poor farm boy with a fourth grade education, he became a hard working responsible individual, desiring more for his family. George left the farm in January 1940 “working for 75 cents a day” to work on the Southern Railroad, (Danville, Illinois/Louisville, Kentucky Division) “earning 50 cents an hour.” He helped to lay the tracks from the train station to Ingalls Shipyard. In 1945 he worked for the Southern Aviation at Pryor Field, often boasting about seeing a B-29 Bomber land there. He was later employed by the Southern Cotton Oil Mill and remained there for 23 years until the operation closed. A few months later he gained employment with the Good Year Tire and Rubber Plant, retiring February 1, 1985. He enjoyed growing crops, and raising pigs and cows. He joined George Braxdall Lodge #28, June 11, 1946 under Worship Master Skinner, now retired.
“Rise Peter, Slay and Eat.” Family gatherings were filled with food, laughter, singing and praying. George and his brothers, Sherman and Worley would glorify the Lord in song, while others joined in; a favorite, “There is Something in My Heart, Telling Me to Keep On.”
George met Myrtle Marie Lyle of Decatur, Alabama. They married November 7, 1952 and were devoted to one another for nearly 48 years, she preceded him in death. They welcomed seven children into this world who will forever cherish their memories; Peggy Allen (Edward) Towns, George W. (Rosemary) Allen, Emma Allen, Susie Allen, James (Linda) Allen, and Petrina O. Allen, of Decatur, Alabama; Cynthia R. Allen, Jonesboro, Georgia. His family continued to grow as he reared his brother, Michael Allen, Athens, Alabama; foster children, Elijah Harris, Athens, Alabama, Jackie (Askiel) Omar, Louisville, Kentucky, and nurtured many others. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Latrisha (Claude) Peterson, La’Tira (Anthony) Haynie, Stephanie Allen, Georgetta Allen, Seneca (Shemeka) Allen, Jouri (TaKarra) Allen, Tinisha Allen, Lamarcus Allen, Jorge Allen and Wesley Allen; 15 great grandchildren. A sister-in-law, Hattie Allen, great aunt-in-law, Zelma Lipscomb, beloved nieces and nephews, other relatives, his Church family and friends. His parents and eleven siblings preceded him in death.
A Celebration of Life will be noon, Sunday at King’s Memorial United Methodist Church with the Elder Benjamin Burt officiating and inhumation to follow in Bell Church Cemetery. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral with Reynolds Funeral Home directing.
