Home going celebration was held for Willie Edward Allen on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at Mt. Hermon AME Church in Fort Lauderdale where he served faithfully as a trustee, steward, on the usher board, finance committee and choir member (#3). Born on January 4, 1934 in Lake City Florida, his formative education was completed in the Lake City School System, subsequently graduating from Richardson High School in 1954 as class president.
After a three-year stint in the U.S. Army, he matriculated to Bethune-College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. At B-CC Coach Allen joined the Concert Chorale Choir and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Further graduate work included study at the University of New York at Buffalo, the University of California at Santa Barbara, and Nova Southeastern University.
His professional career began at his alma mater, Richardson High School, where he taught mathematics and coached football and basketball. After moving to Broward County, he taught and coached at Deerfield Beach, Blanche Ely, and Stranahan High Schools. He left an indelible impact on the Dragon family, especially its students.
While in Lake City he was a member of Springville African Methodist Episcopal Church, then joined Mt. Hermon AME in Ft. Lauderdale.
Mr. Allen married retired Broward Schools principal Gloria Jean Smith of Bradenton, Florida, a union that lasted 57 years, and they were blessed with two children: Lori and Greg.
Two notable interests that consumed his time/energy were his membership in the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Florida, Inc. and AWARE- Athletes Working for a Realistic Education. Masonically, he was a Worshipful Master (president) McDonald Lodge #70; Potentate (president) of Oasis Temple # 18, Miami, Fl); Grand Lodge Education Director; and Grand Potentate of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. As the co-founder of AWARE, a concept he developed and created, over 300 minority student-athletes received financial assistance through grants/scholarships to attend HBCUs, one of whom was Lee Williams, who attended and starred at B-CC before enjoying a long, stellar NFL career. Local businessman Lenroy Ellis, a Cheney University alum, was another protégée. Coach Allen had a tremendous impact on the lives of many young men and women that he taught, coached and mentored, respecting him as a father figure, disciplinarian, confidant and advocate, and he in turn inspired them to higher and greater heights through sports and academics. This concept of mentoring, leadership, and aspiring young adults manifested itself most glowingly and effectively at Stranahan where he was instrumental in forming the Horizon Club which led to student success in law, education, business, medicine and other fields of endeavor.
Willie was truly a Godly man who has left an immeasurable legacy of love, selflessness, dedication, and excellence, the impact and permanence of which is still being realized, exemplified in the myriad lives he touched and those yet unborn.
Family was the very essence of his humanity.
Parents: Burly Frank Allen (deceased), Texana Forshee Allen (deceased); wife: Dr. Gloria S. Allen; children: Greggory W. D. Allen, Lori L. Jones (deceased) (Roland); grandchildren: Juanita N. Nixon (Jimmy), Amber B. Allen, Devaney L. Allen, Roland Q. Jones, Ashlei G. Jones ( deceased); great grandchildren: Tatyana J. Willingham, Jimyah A. Nixon, Jimmy L. Nixon, Jr.; great-great grandchild: Jordan L. Carlow; sisters: Mattie Whitfield, Altamease Ware (deceased) (Clarence); brothers: Alvis Allen (Margaret), Otis C. Allen (deceased) (Myrtice, deceased), Carl Allen, Eliza J. Allen, Leo Allen (deceased) (Dolly, deceased), Thaddeus Allen (Pat), Earlie B. Allen ( deceased); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
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