Phillip Wayne Allen was born February 18, 1937 to William Carl Allen and Mary Jo (Cantrell) Allen in Huntsville’s Dallas Mill Village, and passed from this life February 10, 2019, just shy of his 82nd birthday.
He attended East Clinton Elementary, Rison Junior High and Butler High School in Huntsville. He studied Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University before beginning an aerospace career that spanned the NASA Manned Space Flight Programs Apollo/Saturn at Cape Canaveral, FL and Space Shuttle at Marshall Space Flight Center, AL contributing significantly to the Saturn V rocket moon missions and lunar rover. Between the Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs, he worked for Bell Laboratories on the nation’s first Anti-Ballistic Missile Program (Safeguard-Sprint and Spartan missiles) on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. He also proudly served his country with honor and distinction in the U.S. Army National Guard and Reserves.
Phillip was deeply committed to his faith and was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church for nearly 50 years. While he attended Briar Fork Church in Hazel Green, AL with his grandfather, he first joined the church and was baptized in High Point, NC. He was actively involved with his two children in the Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs. He enjoyed watching football and remained a lifelong Auburn football fan. He remained connected with his high school friends attending Butler High school Alumni events. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother and his greatest joy was loving his family, especially his grandchildren.
Phillip is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Millie; brother, Thurmon; daughter, Jeannie; son William; daughter-in-law, Cyndie; grandchildren, Graham, Lauren, Farren, Ali, Ava, and Brenna; and many cousins.
Phillip was laid to rest on Friday, February 15 at Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, AL.
