Allen J Needham

Allen was a native of Cullman, Alabama before joining the US Navy, training as a UDT Pre-SEAL unit along with his brother, JC Needham. Together, the brothers were honorably discharged as Korean War combat veterans. He attended UAB earning his B.S. in Criminal Justice. He spent his career in law enforcement and was a member of the Birmingham Fraternal Order of Police. He served 26 years at the Birmingham Police Department. During his time there, he spearheaded the Birmingham Tactical Operations Unit (TACT) Program. He served as security protection for visiting dignitaries, and served on the Bomb Squad. After retiring from Birmingham PD as Lieutenant after 26 years, he took the position of Chief of Police for the City of Montevallo from 1981-1998. Throughout his career, he attended multiple training programs from the FBI Academy as well as with the NYPD.

He was an avid trainer and shower of Tennessee Walker/Racking horses throughout the Southeast, even teaching himself how to shoe his own horses. After retiring from Law Enforcement, he started an Angus cattle farm in north Cullman County, which was in operation for approximately 20 years. Kind of a jack of all trades, he could figure out and how to fix almost anything and taught his two sons accordingly.

Also an avid lover of water sports, he continued to waterski up until his seventies on Smith Lake and Lake Martin.

Allen was baptised at the age of 33 at Berney Points Baptist Church in Birmingham and he loved the Lord. He was a dedicated husband and supportive father. He earned love and respect wherever he went, and he created a lasting legacy of grace and service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe Allen and Etta Lee Needham; his brothers, JC Needham and Nommer Needham; and his sister, Iva Mae Needham Reid. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Frances Needham; sons, Ricky Needham (Carla) and Timmy Needham (Suzanne); grandchildren, Jacob Needham, Nicole Needham, Allison Needham, and Tyler Needham; sister, Barbara Ann Burney (Ron); numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Scotty/Cooper.

Services will be held for Allen on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Rockco Funeral Home (Montevallo) with visitation to begin at 8:30 AM and the funeral service to be held at 9:30 AM. A committal service will follow at Alabama National Cemetery at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends for a reception at Rockco Funeral Home (Montevallo) immediately following the committal service.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.