Mr. Benjamin F. Allen Sr.

However you knew him - Honey, Bennie, Ben, Daddy, Pops, Popa or Mr. Allen - you will likely recall that he was a family man, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. It is no surprise, then, that Ben Allen, 88, ascended into Heaven on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at home with his family. He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Valaree Robertson Allen; and his children, Benjamin F. "Frank" Allen, Jr. (Deborah), Marcia Allen Labat (Joe), Toya Allen Peters, Michael Allen, Sr. (Theresa) and Marla Allen Steverson (Greg). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Heather (Jason), Michael (Meghan), Catelyn (Chris), Tyler (Addie), Sarah, Thomas (Makenzie), Harley, Jacob, Ben, Stephanie (James) and Michelle (George); as well as his great-grandchildren, Caleb, Caden, Gunner, Hank, Gwen Mae, Lily, Carter, Myles, Ellie, Maisie, Shelby, Billie, Maggie, Wesley and Izzy; and a host of extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his great-grandson, Casey Mack Goodson; his parents, Frank and Merle Allen; his brother, Larry Allen; and his sisters, Dorothy Matthews and Laverne Hand. Ben was born in Tift County, Georgia, in 1935. He met his wife, Valaree, at Tift County High School when she was in the 10th grade and he in the 11th. In 1955, he joined the Navy, serving his country for four years as a Radioman aboard the U.S.S. Walker stationed out of Pearl Harbor. On one momentous shore leave in 1956, he returned to Tift County to marry his high school sweetheart. They honeymooned in Miami, Florida, after which Ben returned to the Navy and Valaree to Tifton to resume her career at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. In 1958, Ben and Valaree welcomed the first of their five children. When he was discharged from the Navy, Ben joined the Georgia Army National Guard, serving as a Sergeant for four years. He also began a long career with the National Linen Service, and subsequently the family transferred to Tallahassee, where they have lived for over 60 years. Ben also worked with the folks at Air Products for over 15 years, and at both companies he made lifelong friendships. Ben loved his family, family reunions, fishing, hunting, camping, and boating. He was a sweetheart and will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation is 10:00 AM, Monday, September 11, 2023, at Abbey Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment follows in Tallahassee Memory Gardens. Online condolences may be expressed at www.abbeyfh.com.

Mr. Benjamin F. Allen Sr.

June 7, 1935 - September 6, 2023