Zollie Ray Allen, age 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, March 11, 2024. Ray was born in Whistler, Alabama on November 25, 1946. He was preceded in death by his father, Gaines Ollie Allen Sr., his mother, Nancy Matilda, his sister, Marion Elizabeth, and his brother, Calvin Glen.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Sandra Summerlin, and his sons, Greg (Windi), Marc (Jennifer), and Jason (Karen). He was blessed to have nine grandchildren: Tanner, Taylor, Gaines, Andrew, Anne-Marie, Caroline, William, Alden, and Elizabeth.
He is also survived by his brother, Gaines Ollie Allen Jr., and his sisters, Tonya Allen and Sharon Busby.
Ray’s life was a classic American story. He was born eleven months after his father returned from service in World War II, becoming his parents’ second son and the third of their six children. Though circumstances were meager, he enjoyed loving parents and the family life they built.
From childhood he demonstrated a competitive spirit, a keen mind, athletic ability, a love for fishing and water sports, an entrepreneurial instinct, and a tenacity and determination that would serve him well throughout his life. Though Ray never undervalued all his parents gave him, he determined to provide a better life and expanded opportunities for Sandra and their sons.
Though they knew one another as children, Ray and Sandra got reacquainted on a double date shortly after his high school graduation—a double date that started with them matched with the other members of the foursome. In a matter of months, they would marry on April 27, 1966, with three sons to follow in 1969, 1971, and 1976. After nearly 58 years of marriage and all the trials and triumphs it brought, their marriage endured to the end and is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
Throughout his life Ray prioritized stability and security for this family. He worked for more than 30 years at Scott Paper Company and Kimberly Clark, all the while owning a small business and developing real estate on the side. He prioritized his sons’ development, vigorously encouraging their academic and athletic progress, all the while prioritizing their spiritual and moral formation.
Most importantly, Ray came to faith in Christ in 1982 through the influence of a coworker at Scott Paper Company. That was a major turning point in his life. It led to the family becoming deeply involved in Cottage Hill Baptist Church, and all the events, friendships, and ministries it included.
Ray’s face was always set confidently towards the future. His eye was only for Sandra. His life’s project was his sons and their betterment. His pride was in his family and their achievements. His joy was in time spent with those he loved most, especially on the water. His hand was steady at the wheel of the boat. Most of all, his faith was in Christ alone. We rejoice his race is finished, his course complete, his striving ceased.
Visitation will be at Luke 4:18 Fellowship on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 9:30 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am.
For those who wish to so express their sympathy, flowers can be sent to Luke 4:18 Fellowship or donations can be made in his honor to Luke 4:18 Fellowship or Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
