William Waldrep Allen

William Waldrep Allen, 85, of Glenaire Retirement Center (Cary, NC) passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2013. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 3rd, at 2:00 pm. The Reverend Doctor H. William Green of First United Methodist Church of Cary will be officiating. Visitation will be at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home Cary on Saturday, November 2nd, from 6:00-8:00 pm. Burial will follow the service at Raleigh Memorial Park.

Bill was born in Spartanburg, SC, on December 19, 1927. He graduated from Spartanburg High School and received his Bachelor's Degree of Science in Agronomy from Clemson Agricultural College in 1951.

Bill enlisted in the US Army for two separate tours of duty from July 1946 to October 1947 and December 1951 to November 1952. His first tour was during the Occupancy of Japan where he served as a Foreman of Construction and achieved the rank of Sergeant. His second tour was during the Korean War where he served as an Executive Officer and achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant. Bill was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Japan for his first tour. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Bronze Service Star for his second tour.

Bill was married for 57 wonderful years to the late Frieda Goodwin Allen also from Spartanburg, SC. They met at their beloved Bethel United Methodist Church where they wed on July 2, 1954.

Bill worked for the State of SC as a seed specialist and transferred to State of NC Department of Agriculture where he worked for 35 years before retiring in 1995. Bill enjoyed socializing with his neighbors and church friends. He was the life of the party with his great sense of humor. Bill was active in his Ellis-Bland Sunday School Class, a member of the Service Men's group named the Fishermen , the United Methodist Men, and a long time usher at the 8:30 Sunday Service. Family and friends were Bill's passion and joy. He was an avid sports fan and loved the ACC games that involved his Alma mater, Clemson.

Bill is survived by two daughters, Merri Vance Allen Wallace and her husband, Steve of Beijing, China and Stockbridge, GA, and Chavon Allen Casey and her husband, Tom and Bills Grandson, John Allen Casey (Jac) of Cary, NC.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Joseph Allen and Mary Waldrep Allen as well as his twin brother, Joseph Waldrep Allen.

The family wishes to thank all of those at the Glenaire Retirement Center who cared for Bill over the last 8 years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Cary First United Methodist Church, the Glenaire Foundation, or a charity of your choice.