John Gilbert Allen

John Gilbert Allen, 95, passed away on May 08, 2020, at Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa. There will be a graveside service held on Monday, May 11, 2020, at 11:00AM from Tuscaloosa Memorial Park, with Dr. Gil McKee officiating, burial will immediately follow. Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Provider, is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Allen was born November 18, 1924 in Birmingham, AL to the late Gilbert S. and Dora Kate Allen. He graduated from Holt High School, class of 1943. A proud Patriot, John joined the United States Army shortly after graduation, serving his country during World War II, earning the rank of Sergeant, he had stations in France, Germany and England. After discharge from the Army he returned to Tuscaloosa and married the love of his life, Sara Martin from Centerville, AL. Mr. Allen attended the University of Alabama, but dropped out, to better provide for his family, after the birth of his son. He started with B.F. Goodrich in 1946 as a production worker, and by 1970 had worked his way up to Plant Manager. He served as Plant Manager until 1989, leaving to become Director of Industrial Relations for the State of Alabama. During his long successful career, John had many awards and accomplishments. He was a Baptist by faith and was a member of First Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon. John also served as Chairman of Associated Industries of Alabama, President of Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce, President of the Tuscaloosa Country Club, Founding Board Member of Central Bank. He was a well-respected humble man, who was a wonderful father and husband. His kindness and respect for other was unmatched. He will be missed by everyone who knew him and whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife of seventy-four years Sara M. Allen; children: Gil (Elaine) Allen and Kay (Terry) Bunn both of Tuscaloosa and Mike (Ellen) Allen of Pell City, AL; ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their most sincerest of thanks to Fred Hahn and Leroy McAbee whose support and friendship were special and important to John.