Gary Allen of Leicester was 10 days shy of his 72nd birthday when God called him home on September 13, 2021. He was a native of the Pensacola community in Yancey County but lived nearly half of his childhood years in Waynesville. He was born to the late Clyde and Vena Allen.
Gary was in the first graduating class of Tuscola High School. After graduation, he spent 4 years serving our country as an Aviation Machinist in the US Air Force. He was proud to have earned the Expert Marksman title, not surprising since Gary had hunted wild game for food from a young age. Upon discharge, Gary earned several technical degrees. In addition to him being a Master Electrician, he was also licensed in plumbing and HVAC. Gary honed these skills while working for others and eventually created a successful business for himself.
Gary was not ashamed to admit he spoiled his children and grandchildren. Because he raised Jadon from an early age, they formed an amazing bond; Jadon was the beat of Gary's heart. There was always a soft spot in his heart for young people. Gary was a leader in both Jason and Jadon's Cub & Boy Scout troops. He also volunteered with Cynde and Benzi's Girl Scout troops. On Monday evenings, Gary could be found at Erwin Middle School serving the youth in their Homework Diner program.
Always cracking a joke or cutting up, it was virtually impossible to be around Gary without laughing. He had a vast knowledge of music, had some killer dance moves and was even rumored to enjoy singing Karaoke. Gary built the best fires, and almost anyone who ever visited he and Mishelle's home got to relax by one. To say Gary was fun-loving would be an understatement. He was ALWAYS up for an adventure and would not pass on an opportunity to have fun. No matter how simple or silly it seemed, Gary had a knack for making it something spectacular.
Gary married Mishelle Willett in 2016 and had 5 amazing years together. During their all too brief marriage, they experienced love and happiness that a lot of couples would be hard pressed to achieve in a lifetime. Gary and Mishelle enjoyed camping, traveling (both near & far), volunteering together and do it yourself projects. Gary forever talked about "Mishelle's Honey Do List" but was secretly (or maybe not so secretly) pleased to do anything that would enhance her, Jadon or Mason's lives.
Anyone who knew Gary will feel his absence in their lives. In addition to Mishelle, several others will forever treasure his memory: son, Jason Allen; daughter, Cynde Allen; grandsons, Jadon Allen and Jonathan Bowers and granddaughter, Benzi Allen Griffith.
Gary's life will be celebrated Friday, September 17, 2021 at Garrett's Funeral Home in Waynesville. The family will receive friends at noon with the service beginning at 1:00pm. Burial will follow at Meadow Fork Community Cemetery in Hot Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the extended family requests memorial tributes to be directed to the GoFundMe (Gary Allen Memorial Fund) created to help provide for Mishelle and the boys during this difficult time.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com for the Allen family.
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