BLACKVILLE — Funeral services for Deacon Willie "Boot" Allen, 63, of Blackville, will be held at noon Saturday, Sept. 15 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Lees, with the Rev. Freddie L. Wright, the Rev. Floyd Hughes and the Rev. Phinice Young officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Deacon Willie N. Allen was born on October 4, 1943 to Deacon Rozell and Mrs. Nina May Lee Allen and also Mrs. Hattie Allen in Barnwell County, all of whom preceded him in death.
"Boot" as he was affectionately called, attended Macedonia School and was a graduate of the Class of 1964. He was employed at Owens-Corning Fiberglas of Aiken for 32 years. After retiring, he returned to work for Generations Unlimited, Barnwell until his passing. Willie was also employed with Green's Funeral Home of Blackville for many years.
On July 9, 1966 he married Ms. Barbara Smith, daughter of the late Warren and Pearl Smith. This union was blessed with three children. One daughter, Lawanda (Charles) Hope of Blackville and two sons, Nathan Allen of Charlotte, N.C., and Sentonio Allen of Blackville.
Willie was preceded in death by three brothers Dave Allen, Savoy Allen and James Allen and granddaughter Jasmine N. Hope.
Although Willie's presence will be no more, he leaves lasting memories and will always be remembered for the love, kindness and thoughtfulness that he displayed towards his family and acquaintances.
Deacon Allen leaves fond memories to be cherished by his wife and three children, two brothers, Arthur (Pansy) Allen of Williston and John Wesley of Florida; two sisters-in-law, Marian Smith of Blackville and Sybil Allen of Boston, Mass.; a brother-in-law, Cleveland (Lisa) McLamore of Hilda; an uncle, James (Janie) Guess of Walterboro; an aunt, Hattie L. Guess of Denmark; grandchildren, Jamal and Jania Allen of Charlotte, N.C., Justin Hope, Daysha Rowe, Joshua Crosby, Phoenicia and James Rowe and Makayla Allen of Blackville and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Viewing for the public will be held on Friday, Sept. 14 at the funeral home between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A wake will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church, Blackville between the hours of 6 and 7 p.m.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Green's Funeral Home of Blackville.