John Ellis Allen

John Ellis Allen, 60 of Jacksonville passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Born in Halifax, North Carolina he was a son of the late Henry and Hattie Jones Allen. John moved to Jacksonville in 1994 from Charleston, South Carolina where he was stationed during his time in the US Navy. John proudly served his country, starting in the US Army and later retiring from the US Navy after more than 20 years collectively. He was a very committed member of East Pointe Church, loved the saxophone and jazz music. At the time of his passing, John was a deputy sheriff with Nassau County Sheriff’s Department and enjoyed working closely with his partner, Deputy Adam Bennett.

He is survived by his daughter, Ashley Allen; grandson, Carter Allen Valentine; brother, Melvin Allen; sisters, Shirley Allen, Jeanette Allen-Bowman (Andres), Brenda Allen-Smith (Randy); nephews, Melvin Richardson and Brandon Smith. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Timmy Allen, Henry “Snap” Allen and Kenneth Allen.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 4:00pm at East Pointe Church, 270 Kernan Blvd., Jacksonville, FL after which he will be taken back to North Carolina where the family will receive friends at the Cofield Mortuary, 501 W. 3rd St., Weldon, NC 27890 on Tuesday afternoon 4-7pm with a graveside service on Wednesday at 11:00am at Epps Cemetery, Halifax, NC

Hardage-Giddens, Chapel Hills Funeral Home 850 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N., Jacksonville, FL 32225 is serving the family.