Ralph Allen, Jr.

Ralph Allen, Jr., 92, formerly a resident of Paris, Tennessee (leaving Paris four years ago to live with his daughter and son-in-law in Newnan, Georgia) died Monday, May 17, 2021. He survived a four-month long hospital and rehabilitation center stay battling COVID-19, just returning home in the past three weeks. However, the after-effects of the virus weakened his heart and he died peacefully in his sleep at the Southwest Christian Care Hospice Center in Union City, Georgia.

Ralph was born March 4, 1929, growing up in Chicago, Carrier Mill, and Harvey, Illinois and Kansas City, Missouri. He was the oldest son of one of the first African-American Magistrate Judges in the Village of Phoenix, Illinois born to Judge, Ralph Allen, Sr., and Mary Still Allen and the step-son of Josephine Searcie Allen (all deceased) of Chicago and Harvey, Illinois.
Ralph honorably served in the Uniformed Services of both the Army and the Navy. He served on the USS Missouri in 1946 and in the Korean War. His military awards include the:
• Army Occupation Medal (Japan)
• World War II Victory Medal (Navy)
• Korean Service Medal with 5 Bronze Service Stars
• United Nations Service Medal
• Combat Infantry Badge

Ralph married the late Johnella Capler Allen in 1977 in Waukegan, IL where they resided for 25 years and played a significant role in the ministry of many churches in the area to include the Waukegan Community Church. Ralph also served as the Commander of Sharvin Post #397 of the American Legion in North Chicago, IL.

In 2001, after retirement (Ralph as a government employee with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Johnella as a nurse) they moved to Paris, TN to take advantage of the many beautiful lakes in the area and the fishing (Johnella loved to fish and Ralph went along to keep her happy). Ralph loved the city of Paris and was very much involved with the community. He was a faithful Christian and active member of the Progressive Baptist Church (when first moving to the city) and later Fairview Baptist Church where he sang in the choir, was a church “greeter” and involved in small group bible study. Ralph was a member of the Lions Club and other Paris civic organizations. He enjoyed working in his yard and garden and was a certified master gardener. Ralph was a history buff and really enjoyed reading historical fiction regarding WW II and watching old movies about the war. He loved Westerns, so much so that he had the “STARZ Encore Western” cable channel installed so he could watch westerns “24/7”.

In May of 2017, Ralph moved to Newnan, GA to live with his daughter Sylvia and son-in-law, Richard. There he joined Newnan Chapel United Methodist Church where he shared his extensive knowledge of the bible and just good “Christian Living” with his bible study buddies. He participated, in the past four years, in Newnan Chapel’s Thanksgiving Outreach Initiative that provided Thanksgiving Baskets to families in need.

Ralph will be remembered as a kind, helpful, and loving person. The theme of his 90th Birthday Celebration, in Atlanta, GA, was “Ralph Allen – A Life of Service”. He lived to serve God, his country, family, church, friends, and the community. He will be missed.

Ralph is survived by his three children: Sylvia Allen-Lewis (Richard Lewis) of Newnan, GA, Toni Freeman of Waukegan, IL (Donald, deceased) and Ralph Allen, III of Waukegan, IL; Grandchildren: Justin Freeman (Lisa) of Chicago, IL, Jason Freeman of Elkridge, MD, Amber Freeman of Atlanta, GA, Sabrina Lewis, Athens, GA; Brother, Robert Irving Allen, Sr. (deceased) of Wichita, KS, Step-brother, Posey Bridges (Donna) of Sun Valley, CA; Sisters: Helen Anderson of Chicago, IL, Dorothy Allen, of Calumet City, IL, and Juanita Versher of Houston, TX. There are also a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins that will mourn his passing.

Arrangements are being handled by Rawls Funeral Home, 790 TN-69, Paris, TN 38242. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 25, 2021 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Rawls Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at Fairview Baptist Church, 114 Memorial Drive, Paris, TN 38242. Viewing/Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 at Fairview Baptist Church with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. A military burial will follow funeral services at Rose Lawn Memory Garden and Mausoleum Cemetery, 1716 TN-69, Paris, TN 38242.

Flowers in the way of a remembrance would certainly be appreciated, but in lieu of flowers please consider donating as a memorial in the name of Ralph Allen, Jr. to Southwest Christian Care, 7225 Lester Road, Union City, GA 30291, (770) 969-8354.

Rawls Funeral Home - Paris 731-642-1515