William Joseph Allen, Jr., of Mount Pleasant, SC passed away on April 10, 2024 at the age of 91.Mr. Allen was born in Richmond, VA on December 27, 1932, the son of Rosa Kimbrough Vaughan and William Joseph Allen. He grew up in Petersburg, VA where he was a graduate of Petersburg High School. He attended both the Virginia Military Institute and the University of Virginia, graduating in 1960. He was commissioned in the USAF as a pilot, stoking a life-long love affair with flying, serving tours of duty in both Japan and Korea. Following his overseas assignments, he was an instructor pilot in Big Spring, Texas. His love of aviation eventually led him to purchase a P51 Mustang which he taught himself to fly.
Leaving the military, he went into the investment advisor business with Blythe & Co. and after learning the business, settled in Raleigh, North Carolina to raise a family with his wife, Sherrod King Allen. He cemented a career as a Certified Financial Planner working for Reynolds, E F Hutton, Paine Webber, and UBS. He was a lifelong hunter and an excellent wing shooter, schooling many a younger hunter. He was also a proud member of the Society of the Cincinnati, the Milburnie Fishing Club, the Carolina Country Club and the Masonic Lodge. He and his wife lived in Raleigh for over 40 years, creating life-long friendships.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marian Allen Johnson and is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, and his son, Lt. Col. William Joseph Allen, III (Margaret), and daughter Irvine Allen Gaskin (Frederick). Grandchildren are Dr. Avery Allen McGuire, Wade Hampton Allen, Lewis James Gaskin, and Emily Irvine Gaskin. He is also survived by his sister, Phillipa Al- len Smith (Guy).
A graveside service with military honors will be held later in Florence, AL. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Veterans Victory House, 2461 Sidneys Road, Walterboro, SC 29488, Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401 or a charity of your choice.
J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Chapel is assisting the family.
