Lorin “Larry” Blanchard Allen, Jr., was an architect, music enthusiast, and adamant Episcopalian. Born 16 July 1938 to Lorin B. Allen Sr. and Martha McKean Allen, he grew up on Dogwood Road, very near where he died 10 August 2021, age 83. A lifelong Memphian, he also lived in Hein Park and at Walnut Grove Lake.
He was a graduate of Central High, Vanderbilt, where he was part of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and the University of Arkansas, where he received his degree in architecture. He was apprenticed to E. Fay Jones, then owned an architectural firm in midtown before beginning to work for Federal Express in the 1980s, from which he retired in 2003. His architectural designs have been enjoyed throughout Memphis and the Midsouth.
Larry was a music enthusiast, loving especially classical and jazz, and teaching himself to play piano as an adult. He was an active member of The University Club well into his seventies, playing fat ball, tennis, and impressively keeping his diabetes under control by swimming, working out, and becoming a triathlete at age 50. He was a long-term member of Grace-Saint Luke's Episcopal Church and The Church of the Holy Communion, where he had many friends and relatives.
He was pre-deceased by his parents, and brother Harry M. Allen. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Roy Allen, his daughters Irene McDonnell Allen, Hannah McKean Allen, and Mary Louise Allen, his sister Woodis Allen Dunn, and many nieces nephews and cousins, including the great and great-great variety.
He was funny and charming, striving always to be a good son, brother, husband and father. We will miss him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice in the spirit of Larry who supported a wide range of local organizations.
A private graveside service will be held.
