Bruce C. Allen Jr.

Dr. Bruce C. Allen Jr. was born on November 7, 1942, in Wolf Lake, MS and passed away peacefully after a long illness on August 1, 2024, in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Allen was educated in the public schools of Wolf Lake and upon early graduation from high school entered Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS at 16 years old. He completed his Bachelor of Science in 1963 and became a member Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He furthered his studies at UCLA in Public Health where he completed his Master of Science and Ph.D. in 1977. While at UCLA he met his wife of 50 years, Reiko Kumita.

Dr. Allen enjoyed an illustrious career as an assistant professor at Charles R. Drew University. In this capacity, he secured numerous grants to conduct extensive research related to cigarette use in the Black community, specifically the impact of mentholated cigarettes. He also conducted research related to infant mortality and was a perennial March of Dimes Board Member. Bruce received numerous awards throughout his career and was named to numerous public health committees including the California Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee and the African American Tobacco Education Network Committee. One of the highlights of his career was his selection to the event staff for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His responsibilities included administering drug tests for the athletes following their competitions.

The Allens welcomed their daughter, Erica in 1981, and sons, Deric in 1985, and Aeric in 1991. In 1985, Bruce and Reiko opened Joi Gourmet Bakery that flourished, providing homemade pies using his mother’s recipes to grocery stores in the greater LA area. Bruce loved watching sports and was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams. He was also a lover of music, especially that of Tupac and Biggie.

Bruce was a dedicated husband, provider, father, grandfather, uncle, son, and father-in-law. A voracious reader and an engaging conversationalist, he loved to talk and share his ideas and opinions with friends, family and strangers. He was also known for his exceptional writing abilities and beautiful penmanship.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce C. Allen, Sr. and Juanita Love-Allen; his sisters, Theester Carter and Orglee Manuel; and his first-born child, Eric Nobutaka Allen. He is survived by his wife, Reiko Allen; children, Erica (Milton Little) Allen , Deric Allen, and Aeric Allen; grandchildren, Joi Elise Little, Miles Little, and Langston Little; and siblings, Blanche Young, Sylvia Jean (Ron) Bowers, Emma Lou Delaware, and Edward Charles (Karen) Allen, Sr. Bruce leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that will celebrate and cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Grace Chapel, Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 E. Florence Ave., Inglewood, CA. 90301 at 2p.m. Visitation will be at 1:30p.m.