William (Bill) Thomas Allen, 80, a resident of Arab, Alabama passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023. Bill is survived by daughter, Andrea Allen Weathington (Tom); son, Bryant Allen (Kristin); daughter, Lori Allen Tatom (Frank); six Grandchildren (William Weathington, Harrison Weathington, Riley Allen, Reese Allen, Benton Tatom and Maggie Tatom); brother, Johnny Allen; and sister, Sally Allen. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jane Allen; mother, Maggie Allen; father, Milton Allen; and 5 brothers and sisters.
Bill was born in Goshen, Alabama in 1943. He joined the Marine Corps in 1960, achieving a rank of Corporal by the end of his tour. He worked for the Chief of Staff and Commandant of Marine Corps Schools. After meeting his wife Jane in 1963, the couple married in the Church of Christ in Arlington, Va. and moved to Montgomery, Alabama. He worked for Alex Rice Clothing Department Store as a men’s clothing salesman, attending school at night to study drafting, and then for the engineering firm of Morton, Joseph, and Spain as a draftsman. During this time, he was involved in many projects which benefited the City of Montgomery (Montgomery Civic Center, Montgomery Archives and History, and churches), as well as other cities and communities throughout Alabama. In 1978, he started teaching drafting at the Elmore County Vocational School. In 1994, he accepted the position of Technical Director for the Elmore County schools, a position he held until his retirement in 2003. He was an avid fisherman and gardener who loved to share his bounty with friends and relatives. He especially enjoyed cooking for his physical and spiritual families. He also loved learning about new technology and helped many friends with their computer problems after retirement. He assisted Jane in the technical aspects of her writing career, formatting books, bookmarks, etc. – truly a Penguin (official name given to husbands of Pen Women).
Most of all, he loved the Lord and served Him as an elder/teacher at Mt. Hebron Church of Christ in Eclectic, Al. He also contributed his time and energy to helping members during their illnesses and times of trouble. After moving to Arab in March 2008, Bill and Jane became members of the Arab Church of Christ where he taught Sunday Bible classes. He was well respected for his knowledge of the Bible and for living the life of a Christian husband, father, and grandfather. He also enjoyed telling and listening to humorous stories.
A visitation is planned for Wednesday, April 5, 2023 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel in Arab, Alabama. A graveside service and interment will be at 1:00 p.m. in Troy, Alabama at Antioch Church of Christ Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to India Missions Church of Christ, PO Box 1448, Hamilton, Alabama 35570.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing
