Wilmer Earl Allen

Wilmer Earl Allen, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on January 14, 2021, after several years of declining health, but his family is comforted by the knowledge that he is now living in his heavenly home. Earl was born on March 11, 1934, in Carrollton, GA, to the late Jay and Georgia Williams Allen, but moved with his family to Morganton, NC at the age of 15. Earl was a devoted and much-loved member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for over 70 years. During those years, he served as a Deacon, Sunday School secretary, and a trustee, sang in the choir, and served on several other committees as well. Earl served in the US Army for two years. He then attended Nashville Auto Diesel and Welding. He spent much of his adult life working in the maintenance department at Great Lakes Carbon, where he was lovingly known as “Superman.” Earl retired in 1996 and then had many years to enjoy things that he loved like fishing, golfing, gardening, and traveling to spend time with his children and grandchildren.

Many family members are left to cherish his memory, his wife of 59 years, Joyce Arrowood Allen; son, Perry Allen, and wife, Emily, their children, Laney and Kiah of Wilmington, NC; daughter, Lori Connet, and husband, John, and their children, Natalie and Lillie of Hendersonville, NC; sisters, Zelma Odom of Carrollton, GA and Ophelia Hart of Morganton, NC; brother, A.J. Allen of Morganton, NC; along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Clarence Allen and George Allen, and a sister, Mary Dixon.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2021, at 1:00p.m., at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, with the Rev. Michael Gantt officiating. Those in attendance are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church (Building Fund), 5388 Mt. Olive Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.