illiam Elmore Allen went home to be with the Lord on November 13, 2016. He was 69 years old.
He was born on August 13, 1947, the eldest of four children born to Elmo and Hattie Mae Allen in Aiken, South Carolina. He attended public schools graduating with honors and as class president from Martha Schofield High School in 1965. He received an athletic scholarship and lettered in football at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. He also enjoyed a career in the United States Postal Service prior to retiring in Boca Raton, FL with his wife Eulita.
Military History and Awards
Command Master Chief Allen (Ret) enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1967 and retired after 30 years of faithful and honorable service in 1997. At the time of his retirement Command Master Chief Allen was eligible to wear the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three silver stars, seven Good Conduct Awards, two National Defense Service Medals, the Navy Oversees Service Ribbon with four bronze service stars, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Battle Efficiency Ribbon with two silver “E”s, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as his Strategic Deterrent Patrol Insignia and his Submarine Warfare Insignia on his uniform.
Earning the promotion to Command Master Chief was an incredible accomplishment and a testament to his character and quality of service to the United States Navy. The truth is less than 1% of all sailors who raise their right hand and enlist will ever receive the promotion to Command Master Chief.
Family
Command Master Chief Allen was preceded in death by his father Elmo Allen, his beloved sister Evelyn Johnson and his granddaughter Daisha Blaine. Master Chief Allen is survived by his loving wife Eulita Eugenia Allen of Boca Raton, Florida; his mother Hattie Mae Allen of Aiken, South Carolina; his daughter Angela (Allen) Parham and her husband Thomas of Fairfax, Virginia; his four sons Antonio Gourdine and his wife Gemma of Jacksonville, Florida; Mark Allen and his wife Stephanie of Lexington, South Carolina; Carlos Chisholm of Stockton, California and Rasheck Upson of Palm Coast, Florida; his sister Barbara Gardner of Aiken, South Carolina and his brother Claude Allen of Waldorf, Maryland. Command Master Chief Allen is also survived by ten beautiful and talented grandchildren as well as many extended family and friends.
Visitation and Funeral Service
Friends were received on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Calvary Chapel, 2401 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 from 1:00 PM until time of services at 1:45 PM.
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
A graveside service with full military honors, to include escort platoon, military band and gun salute is scheduled at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 9:00 AM. Please arrive at Arlington National Cemetery’s Administration Building no later than 8:15 AM. The family welcomes your presence at this formal event to close out the honorable life led by Command Master Chief William E. Allen.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
Eluita, Angela and Family:
I had the privilege to serve with your dad and husband on Daniel Webster, SSBN 626 Gold. He was the First Chief I met when I checked aboard. This was going to be my first Submarine Assignment since I had put on the Chief’s uniform. He taught me so very much and always had a great sense of humor. Also it was very funny seeing him and John Proctor arguing about things on the boat. It is was wonderful knowing the whole family and watching you grow up and the fun times we had during our get togethers.
Praying for His peace and comfort to wrap His arms around the whole family. He will be missed that is for sure A wonderful friend to me and all of his shipmates.
Dearest Eulita and family,
Thank you for sharing this with us about Bill. My heart is saddened as I remember one of the most honorable men I had the pleasure of meeting (Portugal). Please know that I join with others in praying for your family. God’s Grace, Peace, and Comfort to each of you.
My prayers are with the family.
Eulita Angela and rest of the family I send my condolence I was one of William’s classmates he was like a big brother to me and I will miss him dearly my prayer for peace and comfort to you guys think how blessed you were to have him all these years thank God for allowing me to know him ,love you guys be blessed
Aunty Eulita and cuz Angela and the rest of the family – we are with you always – and will never forget the summer of 2015 you and Uncle Bill spent with me and mum in London – the memory will never fade – we love you to pieces and as Uncle Bill now flies with the angels, may you be comforted untold, knowing that his love and legacy is around you forever – Dawn, Danielle, Monique, Darren, Carol, Sherry, Richie and his family, Anita, Yasmine – we love you xx
To the family,Bill was a personable and giving heart in traveling and praying for the sick.He ran the race and Bill now you rest.Thank you for caring.God Bless,love to you all. Rose Lattimore, Jacksonville, Fl.
Antonio my condolences from all of us ,,, I know what you going true I’m so sorry , ,,,all my prayers for your family
Master Chief Allen was a savior to me. In my younger days he took me aside and helped me save me from myself. I would not be the person or have any of the success that have had without him. He was my hero, and I will always cherish the time I spent with him. My heart goes out to Eluita and the family as you go through this difficult time.
To the family of William Allen, I was overwhelmed with sorrow when I learned of the loss of my classmate William.He was a true friend, who was willing to help you if you need it. (God Knows I needed it). He had a big smile that revealed his kind heart at first site. I am sure he will be greatly missed by his family as well as his all who knew him.
The Family have our sincere sympathy and Prayers.
My family sends conndolences on your loss I was fortunate enough to have him as a father figure in my early life and will always remember his spirit of fun, his hearty laugh and awesome submarine sandwiches. My brother Mark carries those traits but I don’t think he can make a sub sandwich ;-)…
God Bless you all!
Darlaine, Joshua, and Heaven
To: Angela, Eulita, and family,
Only time and God’s grace can heal our saddened hearts, fortunately we have some great memories with Bill to keep us warm and to bring us all smiles from day to day. May he rest in God’s peace always. Don and I really loved you Bill Allen, with all that we are; we would not even be together If you were not part of our divine providence back then. We will continue to treasure you always my dear friend. Our heart aches with you Eulita and Angela, there was only one Uncle Bill in our lives.
With our deepest sympathy,
Don and Pamela (Activille) West
Our deepest condolences to all of you on the loss of a wonderful soul. Though he will be missed the memories he left with all of us will remain forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. RIP Uncle Bill.
Love
Joe & Gloria Tavernier & kids
Angela,
My prayers are with you and your family. Your dad was always kind and friendly. I remember him fondly during my service in SOFBI! May the Holy Spirit continue to comfort and keep you.
Aaron
Condolences to you (Angela) and your family. May your father rest in heaven.
The Robinson family of Fairfax VA as well as the ASYNCROB family extend our condolences to the Allen family at this time. The Robinson’s will include William E. Allen in our pray circle at our next mass Sunday.
RIP Master Chief !
I had the pleasure of serving with Chief Allen on the USS Daniel Webster, Gold. He was a wonderful man – always had the biggest smile and the heartiest laugh. He gave me of the checkouts I need to qualify in submarines and if I recall correctly, he sat on my submarine qual board and he was tough, but fair. He loved casino night and he helped initiate me into the Royal Order of the Blue Nose. He was a wonderful chief, and great shipmate, and a lovely person. RIP Mo.
Elmo and I were on opposite crews on board USS Daniel Webster. We relieved each other as Radio Chiefs if our respective crews. We shared many memories over the many years from Charleston to New London. He was also in attendance at my daughter Olivia’s wedding. He was a friend and shipmate. To his family I say he was loved and respected. May God be with you all.
Known to me as ‘Uncle Bill’, it was always a pleasure and a joy to see and hear from him. He will be missed, but never forgotten. To you, Aunt Eulita and the family, we will continue to pray for your strength as you get through this together. Love you always.
Master Chief Allen was my CMC on my last command,USNS Range Sentinel. He was not only a great Master Chief, but became a great friend and a honor to serve with him. I understand the sorrow of your family’s loss, but I know you take comfort in the everlasting life he now enjoys! He has heard the words we all long to hear, ” Well done good and faithful servant “.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Allen! Please know that you all are in our prayers.. Mrs. Eulita, May God continue strengthening you and your family to get through this difficult time. Blessings, Shawn and Gigi Lewis (Von Johnson’s sister from Cocoa, Florida)
Rest my dear friend you have earned it. To the family, my prayers are with you.
Dear Eulita, Angela and Family,
I remember Master Chief Allen during my time in the Navy. Very proud that we were fellow Submariners and I am grateful for his service to his country and the United States Navy. You are in my prayers!
Warmest regards,
Bill Shelton
EMCS/SS John Proctor,USN,RET
Eulita,Angela and Family:
I served with Bill on the Daniel Webster, SSBN 626 Gold. It was extreme privilege to call your husband and father Friend and Brother. You know that Marjorie and I will always be there for you, just call. Bill is at peace and in the company of many of his fellow military brothers. Fair Winds and Following Seas..
An officer and a gentleman.I was privilged to have been welcomed into your home as an honored guest and experienced the gift of witnnessing a honorable man who cherised his family.I pray you will all find peace and comfort that one of God finest blessed you and us all with his presence whilst here on earth.My deepest condolences Eulita Angela and family.
Elite and Family
You have my sincere and deepest sympathy.
William and I were classmates at Schofield. He was a dear friend, even after I left. You will miss him dearly. However,God is a Comforter when we need Him most.You all will remain in my prayers.
Eulita, please accept my apology for misspelling your name.
My heart felt condolences to my niece Eulita and her wonderful husband Bill. He was here just last year. Very sad news about a lovely person, god bless you.
Wonderful memories of a kind hearted man who bought joy to the life of my cousin and all who knew him. Love- Wayne, Veronica, Gary, Sonia, Joyce, Ricardo, Jermaine, Shoonnee, Marlon and Bridgette
Roy and Bridgette Prevost.
Luton,Bedfordshire,England.
Dear Eulita and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Just readings many of the heartfelt comments has touched our hearts.And we never knew him,our loss . perhaps we can get to know William E Allen through you.
Our condolences to you and family.
Dear Eulita, Angela & Family,
My family and I wishes to express our sincere sympathy and prayers to you all. Bill was a wonderful husband and father. May he rest in the peace and love of Ou
Bill
You will be remembered for a heart with the capacity for genorosity, spreading love, fun and laughter.
Your departure is a reminder that we are all on a journey and will leave this life. I pray to God for forgiveness for your sins and to shower you with blessings and all good things in the next life.
For you wife Eulita, your mother, children and all of us your family and friends i pray to God for his mercy and blessings in this and next world. And to comfort us as we greive your passing.
I bid you As Salaam Alaikum my cuz and my brother. You will be missed
Gweneth and the family in uk and usa
To Dear Eulita, Angela & Family: We are so sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you and family. Bill will surely be missed by us. He has gone to meet his maker and will be at peace. Judy & Family, Canada/Dominica
To the Allen Family,
My Family and I send our condolences to you all. I deeply respected Mr. Allen and held him in the highest regard for the loving kindness and encouragement he has always displayed towards me. I know words will never be enough to capture fully who he was as a son, father, and husband, or the honor he brought to his role as a military man and a brother to many in the Church; however I know he has made an impact in many lives. Rest in the hands of our Glorious Father – dear gentle giant – William Allen.
The Whaley Family
Dearest Eulita, Angela & family,
What a pleasure to have known Bill, he was a very special man, funny, kind, loving, caring and committed to His Savior Jesus Christ, always willing to share the love of His Lord. It makes me smile knowing both Jones & Bill are dancing on the streets of heaven. He is surely missed.
Eulita, you are truly blessed to have had many wonderful years with your loving husband Bill. I pray the peace of God continue to overshadow you.
I love you and I’m always here for you and the family.
Grace Celaire & family.
Sarnia Ontario, Canada
To the Allen family which were station together in Connecticut on the ssbn Ulysses s Grant…we will forever hold Bill in our hearts and to the family may God continue to comfort you…love the Johnsons
I cannot believe that Billyis gone..l was reading on Facebook and found out..Yall have my deepest sympathy..God Bless all of you..