June 9, 94, Goldsboro Edwin “Ed” Herbert Allen, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center surrounded by his family.
Ed was born in Person County, NC on December 23, 1921 to the late John (Johnny) W. Allen and Adeline Cates Allen. He was married for over 66 years to his beloved wife, Ida Rae Long Allen, who preceded him in death on September 16, 2011. Ed graduated from Roxboro High School and had completed some college credits. He retired as a Senior Master Sgt. in 1963 from the United States Air Force after 23 years of service. Ed served his country in the Pacific for three years during World War II. After his military retirement he owned and operated Ed Allen Advertising for many years.
Ed was past Post Commander in the VFW and past president and state officer in the AARP. He was an active Lions Club member for over fifty years, having received the Jack Stickley Fellow (State) and the Melvin Jones Fellow (National) awards. Ed was currently a member of the Goldsboro Host Lions.
Ed served as Sunday school teacher and deacon in churches in Clinton and Lumberton, NC. He was a long-time member of Madison Avenue Baptist Church.
A service to celebrate Ed’s life will be Saturday at 2:00 PM at Madison Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Robert Fulkerson officiating. Interment will follow in Wayne Memorial Park with full military honors. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM. and at other times at his home.
Ed is survived by his daughters, Debbie Tupman and husband Larry of Illinois, Tracy Atkins and husband M.J. of Pikeville and Faye Benville and husband Ray of Roxboro; son, Kenneth L. Allen of Goldsboro; sister, Irene Allen Holmes of Sumter, SC; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
In addition to his wife and parents, Ed was preceded in death by his son, E. Keith Allen; sisters, Elva A. Green, Alice A. Melton and Dorothy Allen and his brothers, Clinton Allen and Lindsey Allen and his step-mother, Lillie Aiken Allen.
Goldsboro Host Lions will serve as pallbearers.
Although flowers are welcome, memorials may be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or Madison Avenue Baptist Church, 300 S. Madison Avenue, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.