Dr. Donald Floyd Allen

Dr. Donald F. Allen, 90, died Thursday, May 31, at Whitestone Care and Wellness Center. A Memorial Service, followed by a reception, will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in the Chapel, 2105 West Market Street, Greensboro, NC, on Thursday, June 7th at 11:00 am.

Don was born in Decatur, Texas, and grew up in Fort Worth. His parents were Ruth Gilliland Allen and Chesley Allen. He served as a Seaman in the United States Navy in World War II, and left the Service in 1946. Returning to civilian life, he held a position with the Kendal Corporation for several years, then continued his education, graduating from North Texas State University and completing his doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin. In 1962, he married Carolyn Smith and subsequently was invited to join the Sociology faculty at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Throughout his three decade career, his focus was on teaching the students in his classrooms, and their involvement with discussions and ideas derived from lectures. He taught a seminar on Social Theory which gave participants opportunity to consider social thinkers of the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Social Problems and Sociology of Religion were other courses which he enjoyed teaching; he had a deep interest in examining the impact of group behavior and beliefs on the behavior of the individual.

Beyond the classroom, Don had a wide variety of interests, many of which centered around exploring the natural world and all of the beauty and wonder it contained. He enjoyed gardening, carpentry, and photography; he became a very good amateur photographer, specializing in close-up flower photos. Not long after they moved to Greensboro, he and Carolyn joined the Piedmont Bird Club and began a lifelong fascination with identifying birds by sight and song. Don had always pursued carving and woodworking, so it was natural that he would become interested in how bird decoys were made, and he began to work on mini decoys, constantly refining his painting and carving skills. The results are reflected in the hundreds of small bird carvings that became his "trade mark" over the past dozen years.

As a member of St. Andrew's Don served on the Vestry as an usher and volunteered for many church projects. He worked throughout his life to encourage environmental education and conservation, both as a citizen scientist and as a member of the Bird Club and the local chapter of the Audubon Society. One recognition which gave him great pleasure was the National Audubon Society's "Great Egret Award." The commendation reads: "In recognition of his many years of service to the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society as a past president, Board member, founding member of the StreamGreen Project, researcher for the StreamLife Study, nature photographer, source of information about the natural world, and one living out his deep appreciation of nature."

Dr. Allen is survived by his wife, Carolyn and daughter, Emily A. Talbert and her husband, Trever.

His family wishes to express their appreciation to all the staff of Whitestone.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to the T. Gilbert Pearson Chapter of the National Audubon Society, the Piedmont Bird Club, or the non-profit organization of your choice.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Allen family with services.