Born on December 18, 1958, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Rose Marie Hamberger and Ernest Eugine Allen, both of whom preceded Chris in their trip to heaven. He graduated from Carver High School in 1977 and later attended the University of Alabama before serving eight years in the United States Navy as an electronic warfare technician on the USS Mullinnix DD944 and USS Brumby FF1044. He loved his time in the navy and was proud that he had shot every gun on the ship. Those that knew Chris, enjoyed his humor and infectious spirit. Friends often repeated his ‘Chris-isms”. Chris retired from Glaxo Smith Kline Pharmaceutical in 2021 after 26 years, leaving a lasting impact on his colleagues.
After Alabama crushed Auburn in November 1985, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Harper in Charleston, South Carolina. It was love at first sight and they were soon married on June 28th,1986 and their son, Bobby, joined them to complete the family in 1987. From Charleston the family moved to Miami, Florida for a few years before settling in Raleigh, North Carolina for the rest of their lives.
Chris is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Beth), son, Bobby and his wife, Priscilla, and their children, Weston Knox, age 6, and Josie Harper, age 3, and his sisters, Tracy Riddler of Montgomery, Alabama and Kim Solan of Noblesville, Indiana.
Chris’ life will be celebrated Friday, October 25, 2024 at 4:00 in the Varsity Room at Piedmont Hall, 357 Carolina Arbors Drive, Durham, North Carolina in Carolina Arbors. We will begin formally reminiscing at 4:00 and then informally afterwards.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation, 1717 K St. NW. Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006 or online at melanoma.org.
If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Chris, or a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory".
DONATIONS
The Ocular Melanoma Foundation1717 K St. NW. Suite 900, Washington, Washington, D.C. 20006
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