Obituary for William Lee "Bill" Allen Sr.
William Lee “Bill” Allen, Sr., 85, entered into eternal rest on October 27, 2021 at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia with family by his side. He was born on August 16, 1936 to the late Chester Allen and Mary Elizabeth Logan Allen in Salisbury, Maryland. Bill was educated in the Accomack County Public Schools and was a graduate of Mary N. Smith High School.
At an early age, Bill accepted Christ and joined St. Luke A.M.E. Church in Daugherty, Virginia. He was a dedicated member for over seventy years. He was a former chairman of the Trustee and Steward Board, a member of the Male and Senior Choir, and chairman of Men’s Day for many years.
Bill was employed at Wallops Flight Facility for over twenty years, serving in several positions beginning as a security guard, later advancing to Radar Control Technician. In 1977, Accomack County Parks & Recreation appointed him as the Summer Program Director. In later years, he became the Acting Director and then as Director of Accomack County Parks & Recreation for over thirty-five years before his retirement in 2010. Upon retirement, Bill explored his entrepreneurial side, becoming the owner/operator of a barbershop, janitorial service, landlord, and a professional bail bondsman. Bill was also instrumental in the development of Mary N. Smith Cultural Enrichment Center in Accomac, Virginia.
William was affectionately called “Daddy,” “Pop-Pop,” “Buddy,” “Bishop,” “Captain,” and “Bill.” He was the patriarch of the family, a strong attentive father who loved and cherished his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and grandpups. One of his favorite past times, was golfing with his sons and his favorite saying was “Hit them long, hit them straight and count them all.” At all holiday and family events, he would devour his daughter’s famous “Applesauce Cake” and “Ginger Snaps.” It was always a challenge for the family to get a taste because he would hide it, hoard it, or try to keep it all for himself! He was an avid bowler for over twenty-five years and that wasn’t enough; he challenged Mom-Mom at bowling on the Wii. He loved to travel. Some of his most memorable destinations were The Masters in Augusta, GA, the Superbowl in Atlanta, GA, the NFL Pro-Bowl in Hawaii, and the Tom Joyner Cruise.
Bill’s greatest joy was being close to his beloved wife, Mary Ellen Allen. Their union was blessed with sixty-five years of love before her passing in April 2021.
Bill leaves to cherish his memories: four children, William, Jr., Robert, Sr., Michael, and Jennifer; two daughters-in-law, Kim and Louise; one son-in-law, JC; thirteen grandchildren, Reginald ”Kip”, Robert, Jr. “Ches,” Brittney, Deonte, Tykera, Jenna, Jestin, Christopher, Skylar, Jamison, Grayson, Yasmine, and Yalanda; nine great-grandchildren, Makiyah, Kyreik, Anyah, Aaron, Amber, Matthew, Winston, Emery, and Asher; one sister, Patricia Davis (Jerome); one great-aunt, Margaret Wingfield; dedicated cousin/caregiver, Vanessa; granddogs, Nurse Roxie, Ritz-Carlton, and Bella; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Lovingly submitted,
The Family
At an early age, Bill accepted Christ and joined St. Luke A.M.E. Church in Daugherty, Virginia. He was a dedicated member for over seventy years. He was a former chairman of the Trustee and Steward Board, a member of the Male and Senior Choir, and chairman of Men’s Day for many years.
Bill was employed at Wallops Flight Facility for over twenty years, serving in several positions beginning as a security guard, later advancing to Radar Control Technician. In 1977, Accomack County Parks & Recreation appointed him as the Summer Program Director. In later years, he became the Acting Director and then as Director of Accomack County Parks & Recreation for over thirty-five years before his retirement in 2010. Upon retirement, Bill explored his entrepreneurial side, becoming the owner/operator of a barbershop, janitorial service, landlord, and a professional bail bondsman. Bill was also instrumental in the development of Mary N. Smith Cultural Enrichment Center in Accomac, Virginia.
William was affectionately called “Daddy,” “Pop-Pop,” “Buddy,” “Bishop,” “Captain,” and “Bill.” He was the patriarch of the family, a strong attentive father who loved and cherished his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and grandpups. One of his favorite past times, was golfing with his sons and his favorite saying was “Hit them long, hit them straight and count them all.” At all holiday and family events, he would devour his daughter’s famous “Applesauce Cake” and “Ginger Snaps.” It was always a challenge for the family to get a taste because he would hide it, hoard it, or try to keep it all for himself! He was an avid bowler for over twenty-five years and that wasn’t enough; he challenged Mom-Mom at bowling on the Wii. He loved to travel. Some of his most memorable destinations were The Masters in Augusta, GA, the Superbowl in Atlanta, GA, the NFL Pro-Bowl in Hawaii, and the Tom Joyner Cruise.
Bill’s greatest joy was being close to his beloved wife, Mary Ellen Allen. Their union was blessed with sixty-five years of love before her passing in April 2021.
Bill leaves to cherish his memories: four children, William, Jr., Robert, Sr., Michael, and Jennifer; two daughters-in-law, Kim and Louise; one son-in-law, JC; thirteen grandchildren, Reginald ”Kip”, Robert, Jr. “Ches,” Brittney, Deonte, Tykera, Jenna, Jestin, Christopher, Skylar, Jamison, Grayson, Yasmine, and Yalanda; nine great-grandchildren, Makiyah, Kyreik, Anyah, Aaron, Amber, Matthew, Winston, Emery, and Asher; one sister, Patricia Davis (Jerome); one great-aunt, Margaret Wingfield; dedicated cousin/caregiver, Vanessa; granddogs, Nurse Roxie, Ritz-Carlton, and Bella; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Lovingly submitted,
The Family