Wilbert Murriel Allen

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert Wesley Allen & Flossie Ann Adams Allen; Brother, Ellwood D. Allen and sister-in-law, Beth Allen.

He is survived by Wife, Kathy Allen; Children, Janet Bunn (Cliff) and Jimmy Allen (Terry); Grandchildren, Danielle Bunn, Brittany Tate (Phillip Jr.), Allison Bunn, Cassie Allen, and Chase Allen; Great-Grandson Wickham Lee Tate; Twin-brother, Thomas Earl Allen. Nephew Carl Allen (Nancy); and devoted friend, Linwood Holley.

Murriel was part of the graduating class of 1965 at Patrick Henry High School. He enjoyed being outdoors and his favorite hobbies reflected that enjoyment. His outdoor interests included fishing, farming, and cutting wood as well as working on small projects around his river home in South Hill Banks on the Rappahannock River.

Murriel was a truck driver for most of his life. It was his job but also his passion. He had mastered driving over the years on the road and competed regularly in Truck Driver National Championships at both state and national levels (winning several times over several years.) He drove for major companies such as Crawford Manufacturing, Best Products (24 years), Estes & Sentinel Transportation (Dupont.) During his extensive career he logged in over 3 million accident free miles as well as made lots of friends up & down the highways and roads he traveled.

Murriel loved his family and community. He drove in the Ashland Christmas parade as well as the Richmond Christmas Parade (Toys for Tots) for a number of years. Using his skills he trained other truck drivers in his field and would administer required road testing. He taught his children and even some of their friends driving lessons. Whether it was a tractor, riding lawn mower, dump truck, 3-on-the-tree, stick shift or automatic he could drive it. Murriel felt that it didn't matter if you were a girl or boy this was knowledge about driving that needed to be shared (and then later put to use by his grandchildren and their friends.)

He enjoyed teaching all kinds of people. He was always giving his advice and guidance to others as well as sharing his life experiences to help others. He had a great love for his family and friends. He will be remembered as a man who was always there to help no task was to too big.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Wilbert's Honor to the American Heart Association. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenAshland.com for the Allen family.