Gordon W. Allen was born on September 17, 1936 in Kingsport, TN to Cecil Gordon Allen and Dorothy Allen (Milhorn). Gordon passed away on May 19, 2016 at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. Gordon was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Allen (Carico), of 43 years. Together they moved to St. Petersburg in October of 1977 from Kingsport, TN. Gordon was a 1955 graduate of Dobyns Bennett High School and then a 1961 graduate of East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. He was a faithful member of Lynn Garden Baptist Church where he was baptized as well as a member of VFW Post 3382 in Kingsport, TN. Gordon was survived by his children Caroline Goff (Allen) and her husband Scott of St. Petersburg and Geoff Allen of St. Petersburg; sisters Rebecca Cowden of Kingsport, TN and Cecilia Holloway of Obion, TN; three grandchildren Shelby Goff, Spencer Goff, and Meredith Palladeno; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Amazingly gentle, he loved his family beyond words and created a song in his heart for everything and everyone he loved and sang as only like he could. His friendly, outgoing personality, sense of humor and silly fun loving ways will be remembered forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Maj. Gordon W. Allen served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1968 in active duty and transferred to the reserves where he retired as Major in 1984. His duties included serving as Platoon Commander of the 14th Armored Cavalry, Company Commander at Ft. Knox and Troop Commander of the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam. At the time of his discharge he was permitted to wear the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with a “V” device to denote a valorous action against the enemy, one overseas bar, and his designation as a parachutist.
A memorial service to honor the life of Maj. Gordon Allen is scheduled for Friday, June 3, 2016 at 10:00 am at Bay Pines National Cemetery with the United States Army providing military honors.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
Most of what we know about Gordon is mostly through our daughter, Regan. She considers Carolyn her best friend and they managed to create a little mayhem when they were younger. Now they are staid married ladies, living almost 1000 miles apart but that 20+ year friendship has stayed intact. Gordon was the one who nicknamed Regan ‘Regooni’ and she responded by referring to him as ‘Gordooni.’
What more can you say about a person who was so loved by his family and the friends of his kids? Love is the most important thing he left to his children – and family. It never goes away and at a sad time you can go back and think about it, the good times, the bad times and the love.
I send my love and sympathy to Carolyn and Geoff. Been there and still find myself seeing something and thinking, ‘I should pick that up, Dad would like it.’ Or ‘I have to tell my Dad – or Mom- about that.
Prayers and love and sympathy. But, as long as you keep the memories, he is never gone. And you will see him again. He believed that and so should you.
My sweet, Gordooni. I wish I got to see you one more time. But, isn’t that always how it is? We never really know when that last time is our last. I am glad I got to see you the last time I was in Florida. You were a big part of my life, reminding a kid who didn’t always feel like she fit in that laughter is universal, which allowed me to spread my wings. I have many great memories at your house. Because of you and Mary, I have a beautiful best friend. So many of her amazing qualities came from you. So, rest now, knowing that your job here is done. Go hug your beautiful Mary and know that those of us that are still here will be here for your kids and grandkids, giving them some extra love. You will be missed. To the family, I am sorry to see everyone again this way. But, I do look forward to giving you all big hugs.
Love,
Regooni
Oh Gordo…where do I begin…y’all moved to town when I was 6, Caroline and Geoff soon became mine and Richie’s best friends. You were like a second dad to us and we practically lived at your house. I will always remember your smile and all your silly songs(plunk your magic twanger froggy, Daniel Boone was a man..etc) playing in your Army camo gear in hurricanes, playing in the Morgan and the Austin Healey, grey tom pods and orange tom pods, and all the many others..The grunch in the lake..Many great memories! You were my mom’s “big brother” and one of the Greatest neighbor’s, dad’s, husband and friend. Don’t worry Rich said he’ll always mow your yard for you!!! He even went straight home after you passed and took care of it for you. (But you already know that) You will be missed!!! Lots of love and suoport here for your family!!! Rest in peace daddy #2 ❤❤❤
I am very sorry that Gordon has passed on into GOD’s Arms. I have not seen him for several years. Our birthdays were at about same time each year. I really enjoyed his company as well as Mary. We used to visit The Old Bowling Alley, down on 62 nd Ave. in St. Petersburg. I had visited him at his home. May God Bless his Family & Friends.
To my old friend ” Tennessee Fats” may you rest in peace! What a time we had at Ft. Knox with ” Templeton of the Jungle”, Geoffrey, and all the tales, songs and always a wee deouch in Doris sp?. It always was a great time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and memories never die my friend. John and Brenda.
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.