Obituary of Henry Allen

Mr. Henry Douglas Allen, 84, of Greenhill, went to his eternal Heavenly home on Sunday, May 6, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

Henry was born as the second youngest of seven children on April 18, 1934, to proud parents Jim and Mary Hill Allen. He was a lifelong resident of Lauderdale County, as well as a cherished, fifty-nine year member of the Shiloh Church of Christ, which he fervently loved. He faithfully served the Lord as an elder to Shiloh for twenty-one years (1995-2016). Additionally, he taught Bible classes and served in both the bus ministry and as song leader.

Henry met his lifelong love, Minerva Coker Allen, in the seventh grade at Rogers High School, and they were happily married for sixty-four years, providing a Christ-like example of love and devotion to all who knew them. Henry and Minerva had two children: a beloved son, Aaron Douglas Allen, and a cherished daughter, Judy Allen Kirk (Mike). Henry was also the proud grandfather of twin granddaughters, Allison Hope Kirk and Katie Morgan Kirk, who were his true pride and joy.

By trade, Henry was an accomplished electrician and a long-standing, sixty-five year member of IBEW LU 558.

Henry’s kind smile, his compassionate, giving spirit, his sense of humor, and his unfettering joy endeared him to everyone he met, and he never met a stranger. He was also an avid sports enthusiast, and every autumn Saturday would find Henry mesmerizing his family and friends with myriad stories and smiles on the University of Alabama campus, the understood meeting place for the Allen family on days in which the Crimson Tide played football, as Henry was a long-time Red Elephant Club member and scholarship donor.

Henry is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mary Hill Allen; a son, Aaron Douglas Allen; a sister, Evangeline Page; and four brothers: Granville Allen, Reeder Allen, Broadus Allen, and Wayman Allen.

He is survived by his wife, Minerva Coker Allen; a daughter, Judy Allen Kirk (Mike), of Greenhill; two granddaughters, Hope and Katie Kirk; a brother, Fred Allen; and a host of extended family members and friends.

The Allen family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and love to the compassionate caregivers at The Summit Rehabilitation Facility for the personal care, kindness and counseling provided during Henry’s illness. Their steadfast professionalism, genuine concern and candor were greatly welcomed during such a time of duress.

The Allen family will receive family members and friends at visitation on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Greenhill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 11:00 A.M., and officiated by Tim Grigsby, Howell Bigham, and Ellis Coats. Burial will take place immediately afterward in Shiloh Cemetery. Beloved family members Barry Coker, Mickey Coker, Rex Coker, Wade Coker, Greg Coker, Bob Gooch and Brad Coker will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Hope Kirk, Katie Kirk and Matt Coker.