Jack E. Allen

A Celebration of Life service for Mr. Jack Allen, age 84, will be Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at Noon at the Southside Baptist Church Sanctuary with Pastor Ben Hayes officiating. Visitation will be Monday , December 28, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in Roselawn Cemetery. Wayne Baggett will direct a patriotic musical to honor the life of Jack Allen. Former referees, ballplayers, coaches, City of Decatur employees, and friends will be recognized. It is with heavy hearts and a deep sense of grief that our family shares the passing of the beloved, Jack Allen, on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2015. He died peacefully at home after a lengthy illness. Jack was born June 11, 1931, in the incorporated community of Austinville, Alabama, to William O. and Inez Sparkman Allen. Jack's love for God and country were evident when the right hand would go on his heart at the very sound of the National Anthem. The United States flag was the prettiest thing he could see and was never more proud to be an American than when he attended the Southside Baptist Church July 4th Celebration. Jack was a 1949 graduate of Austinville High School where his basketball skills were exceptional, good enough to earn all Morgan County honors and a scholarship to UNA formerly, Florence State Teachers College. A former coach encouraged him and he became an Alabama High School Athletic Association Basketball Official. He still served as an official observer until the time of his death. Jack's outstanding basketball career, his fine play with fast pitch softball and baseball with the United States 32nd Infantry Regiment in Korea, along with 20 years of dedication to the City of Decatur's Youth as a Dixie Youth Baseball Coach, all earned him a place in the 1992 Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame. In 1976, Jack Allen was elected to a seat on Decatur City Council, a position he was elected for six consecutive four year terms, a total of 24 years. Jack was honored at various times but none more than the humbling unexpected naming of "The Jack Allen Recreation and Soccer Complex." To use his words, "Momma, that's mighty strong," meaning that it was really special to our family. Jack Allen grew up sitting on a pew beside his grandfather, Asbury Sparkman at Austinville Methodist Church. His grandfather was the City Clerk of Austinville and Jack loved telling stories about the days he followed him around. Those Christian principles he learned at an early age, were carried into the world all the days of his life. The Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, was always on the tip of his tongue. He would do anything that was asked of him because he believed that verse to be true. There wasn't a position or responsibility in the church that he didn't treat as a calling of God, as he would say, "I'll give it my best shot." Jack thoroughly enjoyed his retirement which included a career in the Insurance business. He referred to retiring as "hanging it up," simply meant he could clean his motorhome and head to the next Alabama football game as often as possible with his family, especially his grandsons, Parker and Hunter Allen. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, William O. Allen, Jr.,and Tommy Allen; two sisters, Mary Allen Davis and Irene Allen Hayes. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Allen; one son, Stuart Allen (Roslyn); one daughter, Beth Allen; one sister, Becky McIntyre; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pallbearers will be Deacons and Caps Committee members from Southside Baptist Church. The family is sincerely grateful for the loving care provided by Hospice of the Valley and never to be forgotten is the love and devotion of Ms. Mary Amerson. Memorial donations may be made to Southside Baptist Church, Hospice of the Valley, or the Boys and Girls Club of Decatur. Shelton Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Jack E. Allen

June 11, 1931 - December 25, 2015