Allen was born April 29, 1932 in Clarkton, Missouri to the late Clyde and Opal Williams. He was the eldest of three children.
Allen enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Captains Orderly during the Korean War (as a Seaman Second Class). After completing his enlistment, he became a Merchant Marine and achieved the License of Captain. His unique position afforded him the opportunity to venture across the globe, from the wilds of Africa and Asia to historic Europe and the Middle East. As a Pilot and Tugboat Captain, he transferred ships through the Panama Canal, assisted with the building of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel, and even worked as a Harbor Master in South Vietnam (during the Vietnam War). He retired from Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in 2002, where he was a Ships Pilot (Docking Pilot) and manager of Port Operations.
Allen was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Lynnhaven Masonic Lodge. He was an avid dog lover, gardener, woodworker and fisherman.
Allen was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and a generous soul, who was always willing to help those in need. Allen is preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years Linda Lee Thomas Williams, and daughter Susan Potter. He is survived by his Children: Linda (Jim Shirk) Williams, Stefanie (Chad) Edwards, and Step-Children Ronica (Lonnie) Gregory, Sherry (Brinkley) Shattuck and Joseph Anderson; Grandchild: Aspen Edwards, and Step-Grandchildren Brandy Hall, Tiffany and Heather Culbertson, Joseph and Alyssa Anderson; Siblings: Carol Jean Bridges and Patricia Screws.
Memorial services and interment will be held at Rosewood Memorial Park, 631 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462 on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." -Acts 20:35
