OBITUARY

Dr. LeRoy Allen

June 1, 1923 – March 7, 2012

Dr. LeRoy Allen died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 7, 2012. He was born in Raleigh, NC, on July 1, 1923, living on his family property, Roylan Wood, his entire life. Dr. Allen was predeceased by his parents, his daughter Linda Allen and his brother Rufus Allen. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years Gloria Eason Allen; his son Dr. Robert L. Allen and wife Celeste, of Raleigh; his daughter Sally Allen Watkins and husband Randy, of Matthews, NC; his grandchildren Nicole Dailey Bergemann and husband Matt, of Greensboro; Callie Allen Lowe and husband Matt, of Atlanta, GA; and Celeste Allen Chapman and husband Chris, of Baltimore, MD. Dr. Allen was a nature lover and avid outdoorsman. As a student at Needham Broughton High School his nickname was “Trapper” because of his superb hunting skills. He graduated from Wake Forest College where his great intellectual talents and exceptional skills were developed at Shorty’s poolroom. After graduating from Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1947, he completed a surgical residency. He was a United States Naval officer in the Korean War. After the war, he completed his neurosurgical training under the famous Dr. Walter Crutchfield at the University of Virginia. During that period, a neurosurgical specialty was in its infancy, and many physicians doubted whether a neurosurgeon was necessary in Raleigh, since neurosurgeons were available at Duke and the University of the North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Not to be deterred, he returned to his native Raleigh, determined to offer neurosurgery to this area. He practiced nearly 40 years, establishing Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic, which has continued his legacy of excellence. Dr. LeRoy was adored by his patients and greatly respected by his peers. He was a member of the NC Medical Society, the Wake County Medical Society, the Southern Neurosurgical Society, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Kiwanis Club, and was a Mason. In 1993, he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor James Martin. Carteret County, NC, was Dr. LeRoy’s “second” home, where he was fondly known around the Anchorage Marina as “Doc” and “Captain.” Captain LeRoy was renowned for his fishing and boating exploitations, and he especially loved marlin fishing. Twice he captured the Big Rock Marlin Tournament. The first time, in 1962, alone in the Gulf Stream on a 21 foot outboard he built in his garage, he caught a 487 pound blue marlin. Through the years his boats got bigger. Again, in his garage, he built from a raw hull a 41 foot Stapleton craft with a large tuna tower, rather than a traditional cabin. It was a mighty “wet” boat, but landed a lot of fish, including many a marlin. He also won the Big Rock in 1983, though this time on a 62 foot yacht built by Omie Tillet in Wanchese, NC. Dr. LeRoy was a man of many skills. An expert machinist, wood-worker, fiberglasser, electrician and plumber, all contributed to his boat-building abilities. His practicality was evident in both his workshop at home and in the operating room. If a piece of surgical equipment were broken and considered beyond repair, the OR nurses would send the instrument home with him and he would inevitably make repairs and improvements. Dr. Allen retired from neurosurgery in 1993, several months before his 70th birthday, so he could pursue fishing and boating on a more fulltime basis with his loyal mate Al Lathan and Captain Bill Christian. He fondly referred to retirement as “every day is a Saturday.” His other hobby in recent years was using a game camera to photograph the wildlife in his backyard woods and his fox families were well fed on hotdogs and table scraps. A keen bird watcher, he loved and appreciated all aspects of God’s creation. Dr. Allen’s funeral will be held at 2:00pm, on Sunday, March 11, 2012, at Edenton Street United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends in Kerr Hall after the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. The family wishes to thank Dr. LeRoy’s wonderful doctors, nurses and caretakers including Christine, Lekita Essa, David and Mary. Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary’s St. Raleigh.

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  • Memorial Service Sunday, March 11, 2012
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REMEMBERING

Dr. LeRoy Allen

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Kathy Cooke

March 31, 2012

Please accept my sincere and deepest sympathy! Dr. Leroy Allen was a great guy and true friend, as a neighbor at Anchorage Marina I could share a lot of funny stories about Leroy and "Big Al". Dr. Allen was one of the greatest Neuro surgeons. Sincerely, Kathy Cooke, Raleigh, N.C.

Donna Jones

March 28, 2012

I recall this gentleman as my mother's dr. back in the late 60's - 70's. She had artery disease . I think at that time his office was close to an old private hospital near Krispy Kreme donuts. Even back then just to hear his name seemed like he was a celebrity of sorts . Sorry for your loss . Donna B. Jones , Kenly ,NC

March 23, 2012

I also worked as an RN with Dr. Allen in the Wake operating room, for several years in the seventies. He was quite a character, and really liked the nurses and staff. We always thought of him as the Jimmy Buffet of the OR, as his songs were among some of the ones he enjoyed while operating. Dr. Allen operated on my mother, and she loved him to death. He also saw my husband after he had bilateral brain aneurysms, guiding me through what was coming and what to expect. I am grateful to him for all of his knowledge, teaching, compassion and kindness. My condolences to all of him family and friends.
Linda Wilkerson

Kenneth Hodges

March 21, 2012

I worked as an RN in the O.R. at Wake Med from 1983 to 1988 and always looked forward to the days I was assigned in Dr. Allen's room. He was always a joy to work with. I had an idea that Hemmingway would have thought him the perfect "Old Man and the Sea".

I have thought of him often in my career since leaving Wake, and thank him for much of the knowledge I have that I use as an O.R. nurse today. I am saddened at his passing, but rest comfortably in knowing that Heaven is now a better place for his presence there. My condolences to all his family

Patsy

March 21, 2012

As a patient, Dr. Allen rescued me from extreme pain by performing a lumbar lamenectomy on an emergency basis on me in 1978. I was able to walk again, no pain, take care of my young family, and live a fruitful and happy life. During my post-op visits, I was so impressed with his care, superb and kind care, that when my 2 children entered high school and college, I entered 2 years at NCSU and transferred to UNC School of Nursing graduating in the top 10% of my class. I had discussed my dream with Dr. Allen with him giving me encouragement to become a RN. I became a critical care RN sharing with him that my dream did come true, so much because he told me that if I didn't go forward with my dream that I would truly snuff my candle out prematurely. What a wonderful and gracious man Dr. Allen was, and he truly lives on in the people he so generously helped through the years. Moreover, dreams are fulfilled on earth many times guided by those on earth and in heaven. Thank you family of Dr. Allen, and Dr. Allen, for so unselfishly giving of yourselves to others. Patsy A., Raleigh, N.C.

Patsy

March 21, 2012

As a patient, Dr. Allen rescued me from extreme pain by performing a lumbar lamenectomy on an emergency basis on me in 1978. I was able to walk again, no pain, take care of my young family, and live a fruitful and happy life. I was so impressed with his care, superb and kind care, that when my 2 children entered high school and college, I entered 2 years at NCSU and transferred to UNC School of Nursing graduating in the top 10% of my class. I had discussed my dream with Dr. Allen with him giving me encouragement to become a RN. I became a critical care RN sharing with him that my dream did come true, so much because he told me that if I didn't go forward with my dream that I would truly snuff my candle out prematurely. What a wonderful and gracious man Dr. Allen was, and he truly lives on in the people he so generously helped through the years. Moreover, dreams are fulfilled on earth many times guided by those on earth and in heaven. Thank you family of Dr. Allen, and Dr. Allen, for so unselfishly giving of yourselves to others. Patsy A., Raleigh, N.C.

Glenda Leggett

March 15, 2012

Dear Family,
To hear this about Dr. Allen just breaks my heart. He was my doctor and saved my life on 12-5-2001. I had a brain tumor and he was my surgeon. I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

Dianna Johnson Thomas

March 13, 2012

Dr. Allen was responsible for allowing my mother many more years of pain free living by performing back surgery in the mid-70s. She always had praises for him for his skill, kindness and compassion and recommended him many times to family & friends. Our thoughts and prayers for the family.

Barbara Allen

March 13, 2012

Dr. Allen was a great person and doctor. My husband passed away in 2003 but always had kind words to say, he really was a great man. God Bless! Allen Family

C. Dayton Kirk, M.D.

March 13, 2012

Dr. Allen was possibly the most talented neurosurgeon I ever had the pleasure to work with on my arrival from Chapel Hill in 1977 until his retirement. As an anesthesiologist I provided service for his numerous surgical patients. I chose him to do my own cervical spine surgery which speaks for my faith in his ability. In the operating room he was soft spoken, confident, always controlled, wasted few words, and was loved by the entire staff. A great man is gone.

IN THE CARE OF

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home
Raleigh, NC
919-828-4311