Sam Waters Allen

COLUMBIA Mr. Sam Waters Allen passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 12, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Allen was born in Saluda, South Carolina on October 27, 1924 to Minnie Koon Allen and William Samuel Allen. He served with distinction in the U.S. Navy in World War II and in the Korean Conflict, and retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve after twenty years of service. Mr. Allen graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1948 and became a lifelong supporter of his beloved Gamecocks. Mr. Allen was the president and co-owner of All American Trophy Company. A successful businessman and community leader, he also served as president of the Columbia Sales and Marketing Executives Association. He was a member of the Gamecock Club and a scholarship donor for more than 60 years. He served as president of both the USC Lettermen’s Association and the USC Tip-Off Club and was a board member of the USC Touchdown Club. Mr. Allen’s pursuits were enriched by his enthusiastic and passionate approach to life. He loved to hunt, was an excellent bridge player, and enjoyed traveling to each of the world’s seven continents. He was also a faithful and active member of St. Martins-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church for over 50 years. Mr. Allen was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was predeceased by his wife of 32 years, Carolyn Saye Allen; his sister, Colette Allen Thomas; stepdaughter, Lyn Park and stepson, Alston Park. He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Grace Allen; daughters, Catherine Allen Neely (David) of Lexington and Louann Allen Taylor (Jim) of Woodstock, Georgia; stepdaughter, Patti H. Trotter of Columbia; and sister, Harriet A. Hunter of Pawleys Island. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as PaPa. His grandchildren are Gena B. Hinnant (Rhett), Michael A. Brooks (Rebecca), Jennifer T. Bond (Bret), Lindsey C. Taylor, Irina A. Taylor, and stepgrandchildren, Jessica T. Shand (Peter), Jordan T. Davis, Alyson W. Trotter, Branson Stafford (Anna), and Jay Tablas. He was also blessed with 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Mr. Allen is also survived by nieces and nephews. A celebration of Mr. Allen’s life will be held at 2 o’clock on Thursday, June 16, 2016, at St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church at 5220 Clemson Avenue, with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will welcome friends and family between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Michael Brooks, Richard McCullough, Ryan McCullough, Reece McCullough, Branson Stafford, Jay Tablas, Bret Bond and Rhett Hinnant. Honorary pallbearers will be Vernon Brantley, Carter Ellis, Harvey Harrelson and William T. Smith, Jr. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the devoted staff of Hospice Care of South Carolina and to the nurses of Providence Hospital 4thTower. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 5220 Clemson Avenue, Columbia, SC 29206 or Autism Speaks, Attn: Web Gift, 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540.