William “Bill” Thomas Allen, 80, of Arab died Sunday, April 2, 2023.
Mr. Allen was born in 1943, in Goshen, Alabama to Milton and Maggie Allen. He was married to Jane Allen, who preceded him in death.
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, they married in the Church of Christ in Arlington, Va., and moved to Montgomery, Ala.
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.
Most of all, he loved the Lord and served Him as an elder/teacher at Mt. Hebron Church of Christ in Eclectic. 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.
He is survived by daughters: Andrea Allen Weathington (Tom) and Lori Allen Tatom (Frank); son: Bryant Allen (Kristin); six grandchildren: William Weathington, Harrison Weathington, Riley Allen, Reese Allen, Benton Tatom and Maggie Tatom; brother: Johnny Allen; and sister: Sally Allen.
He was preceded in death by five brothers and sisters.
The graveside service will be at 1 p.m. today, April 6, 2023, at Antioch Church of Christ Cemetery in Troy with Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel handling the local arrangements.
Memorials may be made to India Missions Church of Christ, PO Box 1448, Hamilton, Alabama 35570.
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My name is Ted Meyer, and my Dad owned Alex Rice Clothing Store throughout my childhood and young adult years. Some time in the late ‘60s or very early 70’s Mr. Allen helped me pick out out a suit, and then helped me get it fitted properly. All of these years later I recognized his face in the photo instantly because of how nice he had been to me that day. Why would I have a memory from over 50 years ago from one specific day? I don’t know, but I do clearly remember that day, and that fitting, and I think that it was because Mr. Allen made me feel important and well-dressed. Our lives intersected only that one time (to the best of my memory) but I’ve never forgotten the nice man who made me feel well-dressed one day in childhood. I know that he must have been a very, very special man, and I’m very sorry for your loss.
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