Thomas Lee Allen

Thomas Lee Allen, 76, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away January 23, 2008. He was born October 18, 1932 in Ellaville, GA. He was a 1949 graduate of Ellaville High School and moved to Florida that same year. Mr. Allen worked for Publix for 42 years He opened the first Publix in Charlotte County in 1965 as the Store Manager and retired in 1997. He was a charter member of the Punta Gorda Elks Lodge 2606, a member of the Punta Gorda Rotary since 1970 and was the past president 1972-1973. He was a member of the Port Charlotte Eagles Lodge 3296.He was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Allen was a loving husband, father and grandfather and a friend to all. Everyone he met, he made an impact on their life. He never knew a stranger and was always ready to help when needed. His love was unconditional. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Julia Allen; children, Carla Bennett of North Port, FL; Donna Johnny Thompson of Lakeland, FL: Thomas Lee Allen Jr of McMinnville, TN: David Carol Souders of Adairsville, GA: Nancy Souders Grant of Punta Gorda, FL: Christy Barry Souders Townsend of Punta Gorda, FL: Jeff Fay Roughton of Punta Gorda, FL; Dennis Julie Roughton of Port Charlotte, FL: Jay Lisa Roughton of Punta Gorda, FL ; 16 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; brothers, Rev Ray Marilyn Allen of Pickens, SC and Clark Katie Allen of Bradenton, FL; sisters, Martha Jimmy Dougherty of Thomaston, GA and Patricia Marvin Eason of Thomaston, GA. He was predeceased by his brother, Henry Sorrells and a granddaughter Julie Peterson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday January 28, 2008 at the First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda, 459 Gill Street, Punta Gorda. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.