Joe L Allen Jr.

MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA - A life time of public service ended March 19, 2017 with the death of Joe L. Allen, Jr. He was born August 24, 1923 in Florence, South Carolina, the son of Joe L. and Etta Gause Allen. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jo Ann Hornsby and her husband Dr. Guy Hornsby of Morgantown, West Virginia; his granddaughter, Teresa Ann DeLuca of Wilkes Barrie, Pennsylvania; a grandson, Joe Allen Hornsby; a great-granddaughter, Sherry Jean Shannon; and great-great-granddaughter, Elena Teresa Holley. His wife, Elier (Gerry) Montrose Allen and daughter, Deborah A. Jones preceded him in death. His four sisters, Elva Meggs, Nettie Johnston, Buena Johnston and Etta Jaillette also preceded him in death. During World War II he served in the 30th U.S. Air Force in the Pacific Theater as A B-25 pilot flying combat missions in New Guinea and in the Philippine Islands. After his service He entered the University of South Carolina graduating from its Law School in 1950. He then began work with The South Carolina Tax Commission, holding many positions until he resigned to work with the State Attorney General as General Counsel for the Commission. After 42 years he retired in 1992 but continued his public service by rendering advice to the State’s County Tax Official as well as to the State. He received many awards for his public service. He was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by the South Carolina Supreme Court for his contributions to the Bar and the State. Governor Campbell awarded him the Order of The Palmetto, the State’s highest recognition. He received a Concurrent Resolution from the General Assembly in recognition of his years of service. The South Carolina Association of Auditors, Treasurers and Tax Collectors awarded him the Sonny Siau award for excellence in public service. The South Carolina Association of Assessing Officials awarded him a Certificate of Appreciation for his years of service and in 1974 he served all state employees as president of The South Carolina Employees Association. He was also awarded a certificate of appreciation by the South Carolina Tax Commission for his years of service and by the Tax Collector's Association for his years of service. A funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. at North Trenholm Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 with entombment to follow Greenlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. Memorials may be made to North Trenholm Baptist Church, 6515 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29206; or to a charity of one’s choice. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.