Michael Bennaird Allen

Michael “Mike” Bennaird Allen, beloved husband of Jacquelyn “Jacki” Lee Allen, took his final flight on Monday, November 3, 2025. Mike was born in Chamblee, Georgia on June 22, 1954, to Rufus and Barbara Allen and was the second of four children. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Tony Allen. He is survived by his wife, Jacki, daughters, Kirsten and Lindsey, and sisters, Patricia and Debi. His love, wisdom, and sense of humor will be missed by all.

After graduating from Rockledge High School in Florida in 1972, Mike’s career in electronics, engineering and technology started immediately. He began installing phone lines for Disney World before becoming an aircraft mechanic at the Apopka Airport and receiving a private pilot’s license. His lifelong love for aviation, all things mechanical and electronic had begun.

Mike went on to serve in the United States Navy, stationed at Miramar Naval Station in San Diego, California during the Top Gun era. He subsequently served aboard the America and Kitty Hawk aircraft carriers for cruises to the Mediterranean and the West Pacific. He returned to Florida after being honorably discharged with the rank of Aviation Electronics Technician E-4 in 1979. Mike was invited by work friends to join the West Melbourne Volunteer Fire Department, where he enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of many amazing men. Through those friendships, in May of 1981, he met his future wife, Jacki Shifflette, who was working as a waitress in a redneck bar, the (locally) infamous Wickhaven Lounge. Mike and Jacki wed shortly thereafter on June 27, 1982.

Over the next four decades, Mike’s career focused on electronic communications, test engineering and manufacturing, and government defense programs while earning an Associates of Applied Science from Texas State Technical College. He went on to work for the United States Military Flight Operations as an A&P and Avionics Mechanic at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas where he served four overseas contract assignments during the Second Gulf War. His last position was with the Texas National Guard Flight Operations in Austin, retiring in 2023. Mike was highly regarded in his field and held numerous FAA and FCC certifications

Mike and Jacki spent 43 years building the most beautiful life and marriage alongside a multitude of family, friends and their two amazing daughters. He loved “driving Miss Daisy” on many road trips to wineries and breweries, camping in their motorhome and embarking on trips around the world. In 2024 they completed the trip of a lifetime together, walking 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago. More recently, the whole family was able to enjoy a cherished beach trip to Port Aransas where they made more memories by the sea.

You can see a clear reflection of Mike in both of his daughters who have successful careers in engineering and design. The countless projects-from construction to electronics-taught them lifelong skills but more importantly, gave them lifelong memories. He was so proud of the women they became.

Mike and Jacki had the privilege of bearing witness to each other’s lives. In this, they found not only true love but companionship, endless devotion and a fervor for life.

The service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown, Texas.

A reception will follow, hosted by The Bunco Babes at the home of Jan and Chip Carter. Information will be provided at the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Mike’s life with a donation to Hospice Austin or Divine Canines.