Claude Allen III

RUSS ALLEN Claude Russell (“Russ”) Allen, III, 84, of Eatonton, GA and formerly of Atlanta and Lithia Springs, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 29. Mr. Allen was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Jean Yeager Allen; parents, Claude R. Allen, II and Carrie Allen of Atlanta; two sisters, Frances Duncan of Decatur and Doris Austin of Cocoa Beach, FL; and a granddaughter, Mary Catherine Allen. Russ will be greatly missed by his sister, Madeline Whitworth of Douglasville; two sons, Monty (Becky) Allen of Kennesaw and Steve (Alle) Allen of Tampa, FL; grandchildren Matt Allen and Wes Allen of Jacksonville, FL, and Shelby Allen of Kennesaw; and 15 nieces and nephews. Mr. Allen was born in Atlanta in 1931 and grew up on the city’s west side, graduating from West Fulton High in 1948. Russ went to work for Southern Bell right out of high school, leaving for a time to serve in the US Air Force as an aircraft mechanic during the Korean War. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Russ returned to work for Southern Bell. He rose from the mail room to become a respected member of the management team responsible for central offices and later, for vehicle operations. Russ retired from the then-named BellSouth in 1983 after a long and satisfying career. While working at Southern Bell, Russ attended Georgia State University (then College) in Atlanta. Just before retiring, Jean and Russ moved to Lake Sinclair where they lived a wonderful “lake life” together until she was called home to the Lord. Mr. Allen was a life-long Southern Baptist and loved to listen to Jean sing in the church choir. Russ seemed to excel at almost everything he tried. He was an outstanding golfer with a low handicap and was a regular at tournaments and challenge matches at local courses. He loved to fish and hunt, and had numerous largemouth bass trophies. Russ was able to diagnose almost any problem on any motor or machine or electrical device, and friends knew they could count on Russ to be able to fix or repair almost anything. Russ loved being outdoors, and he loved being with people. He was an ardent fan of the Atlanta Falcons and pro football in general. He will be greatly missed by his many golfing and fishing buddies, other lake-area friends, and family members. Russ’ life was indeed a life well-lived. A memorial service for Russ Allen will be held on Friday, February 12 at the Williams Funeral Home at 1670 North Jefferson Street in Milledgeville; visitation will be from 12:00 until 2:00, with the service beginning at 2:00. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice. express online condolences at www.williamsfuneral.net Williams Funeral Home & Crematory of Milledgeville in charge of arrangements.

Claude Allen III

September 11, 1931 - January 29, 2016