Obituary of Bill Allen

WEST COLUMBIA, SC - William "Bill" R. Allen, 83, of West Columbia, South Carolina, died October 28, 2023, at Generations Assisted Living in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. The family is grateful to the staff of Generations, Right at Home and All-Seasons Hospice for making his way home to God as peaceful as possible.

At his bedside was his wife, Lucy Allen, and his youngest daughter, Kathy Allen Kotry; she flew that morning from Indiana to be with her dad. Kathy and her dad were very close, and he waited to see her, even if he could not speak.

William Ray Allen was born in Attica, Indiana, in 1940 to the late Gwendolyn Kirby Allen and John Allen. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Lucy Allen; her two sons, Richard Albertson (Karen), Steven Albertson (Kimberly Sik); a daughter, Shannon Klein (Chad). Bill is also survived by his sister, Constance "Connie" Foster of Attica, Indiana, and her two daughters, Jennifer Foster of Texas and Eileen Foster of Indianapolis, as well as Sharla Kirby Quinones (Gilbert) of Stockton, CA.

Bill was married 3 times; his first wife was Rosie Allen Gray. His two oldest daughters, Gwen Gray and Billi Gray did not keep in touch with their father. Their third daughter, Pastor Lisa Hackett, married Pastor Gregg Hackett in the Assembly of God Church in Warrenton, Virginia. Lisa and Gregg's three grown children are Tyler Hackett (Tanah); their daughter, Brie; son, Pastor Robert Hackett (Amber); and their children, Isaiah and Everette of Maryland; daughter, Katie Helstrom, her son James, and daughter, McKenzie, live in Warrenton, VA.

 

Bill's second wife was Sharon Allen, who lives in Lafayette, Indiana. Sharon and Bill had two children; son, John Allen (Inga) of San Diego, CA; son, Dennis P. Allen (Charisse), and their daughter, Charlotte, reside in Texas.  John’s other children, Derek Allen and Bruce Allen, live in California. Sharon’s daughter, Kathy Korty (Ryan), lives in Lafayette, Indiana. Kathy has 2 children by a previous marriage: Gracie, and Annabelle "Anna".

 

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his sister, Becky Phelps.

Bill had a passion for woodworking, music, dancing and riding motorcycles and bicycles. He was skilled in fixing cars and bicycles and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Bill's creativity and love for craftsmanship were evident in his woodworking projects, which he enjoyed sharing with his loved ones. He also remodeled his parent's home in Williamsport, Indiana.

Bill was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Attica, Indiana, where he found solace and community. His faith was an important part of his life, providing him with strength and guidance. He and his daughter Kathy loved to go to various churches to enjoy the music.

At Bill's request, services were not held. In lieu of cards or flowers, donations (in memory of Bill) may be made to the American Cancer Society, 200 Center Point Circle, #100, Columbia, SC 29210, or The SC Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina, 140 Stoneridge Drive, #640, Columbia, SC, 29210.

 

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