Joe Richard Allen beloved husband, father, brother died July 3, 2018 in his sleep. He was born June 24, 1946 and had just celebrated his 72 birthday. He had waged a fierce battle over the past 18 months with ALS. He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Bullard Allen, sons, Joe Jr. and his partner Aileen Sellers, son Sam, granddaughters Olivia, Violet and Leah, brother Beam and sisters Ethel Vogel and Dan; Faye Weeber and Bill; niece, Lindsey Weeber and nephew, William Weeber. His parents were Minnie and JE Allen.
Joe owned and operated Allen’s Tire Service and previously the fuel business servicing farms and homes around the Tar Heel area with his parents his entire life. He was a faithful, dutiful, and affectionate son, husband, father and brother. His funny stories of Tar Heel and White Oak characters and episodes were hilarious and provided many a laugh on a camping trip and on short excursions. He was a Southern story teller. Like his parents, he had loved his town and church, and hoped the best for them and for Bladen County. Loving the beach, to camp, travel and fish, he was always talking about where to go next, compiling a list, preparing for the trip and making a phone call telling you what he had, what was packed, and what fish he thought might be running. He would say, “My gear is at the ready!”.
The family is forever grateful to Tar Heel and surrounding communities for your help during his illness. The family appreciates the food that was provided, the ramp that was built, the songs sung, the stories told, and the many visits from dear cousins, friends and neighbors always offering prayers and kind thoughts.
Visitation will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, July 6, at Purdie’s United Methodist Church, 11567 Hwy 87 N, Tar Heel, NC 28392. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in the Allen Family Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Purdie’s United Methodist Church, c/o Al Marshburn, 2142 Pleasant Grove Church Road, Bladenboro, NC, 28320.
So put on a hat, sit outside and enjoy the heat. Build a camp fire when it cools down and remember Joe and his sky blue eyes hoping the best for you.
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