After graduation from Jackson High School, he attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Public Administration. After marriage to Mary Jayne Roberson in 1966, he served in the Air Force at Smyrna AF Base and worked with the Tennessee Department of Transportation in Nashville. They moved to Chattanooga in 1974, where he worked as Transportation Planner for the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency. After 25 years, he retired from that role and continued working as a consultant for Catoosa County Public Works, North Georgia Regional Development Center, and Whitfield County Public Works.
Bill was a Licensed Professional Engineer, member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and the Chattanooga Engineers Club. He was a member, as well as past president, of the Tennessee Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE); board member of the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA); member of the Employment Support Committee of the Orange Grove Center; docent for the Tennessee Aquarium; volunteer for CHATT Foundation (formerly Community Kitchen) and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.
Bill was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. An active member of First Baptist Church of Chattanooga for almost 39 years, he was a member and teacher of Bible study groups and was currently in the Hoback class. He was a Life Deacon, led the Hospital Visitation Team, participated on other ministry teams, and served on many committees.
Bill enjoyed God’s creation – especially the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He enjoyed walking, water coloring, taking pictures of nature, and sharing them with anyone willing to sit with him! At Alexian Village he was part of the Men of Faith Bible Study group and the Art Gallery Committee. He will be remembered as a good man with an insatiable curiosity and unpredictable sense of humor.
Bill’s parents, William Harley Allen, Sr. and Gladys Elaine Scobey Allen preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Mary Jayne; brother, Harley Allen (Dee Ann) of Jackson, Tennessee; sister, Denise Green (Carey) of Evington, Virginia; niece, Angie Grunkemeyer (Jason); nephews, Brian Mullins (Susan), Ryan Allen (Whitney), Jonathan Allen (Amber), and their families, along with extended family members.
Mary Jayne is grateful for the prayers and support of First Baptist Church and Alexian Village – especially the “Brow View Family” where they have resided since 2019.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 401 Gateway Avenue, 37402: or the American Heart Association.
A Celebration of Bill’s life will be on Sunday, March 15, with visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m., followed by the service at 3:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary at First Baptist Church, 401 Gateway Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402. Private interment will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
