MSG Ronnie Lee Allen

April 15, 1935 - February 7, 2018

Sergeant Major Ronnie Lee Allen, 82, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at his home in Columbia, South Carolina. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, he was the son of the late Walter Allen and Tula Harvey Allen. In 1954, Ronnie began his career as an enlisted solider in the United States Army at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He served his Country honorably and proudly for over 20 years until his Army career came full circle and ended at Fort Jackson. While in the service, he was stationed in the United States and abroad to include Africa, Greece and Germany. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War and was awarded The Bronze Star Medal for his outstanding meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period of June 1968 to June 1969. After his retirement, he went back to work at Fort Jackson with the Department of Defense as a Military Policy Officer for many more years before finally calling it quits and enjoying life. He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Allen of Columbia, SC, sister Lois Thomas, brother Roy "Dickie" (Suzanne) Allen, sister-in-law Alene Allen of Tallahassee, FL, and Sue Allen of California. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and many, many friends to include long time close family friend Alfred Taylor whom he considered his brother. He also leaves behind his constant four-legged recliner companions Little Girl and Lucy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Shirley Trawick Allen, brothers Clyde Allen, Fred Allen, Leon Allen, and sister Christola Davis. The Allen family would like to express appreciation to the staff of Heartstrings Hospice for their outstanding care and compassionate support. On February 13, 2018, the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Abbey Funeral Home with services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartstrings Hospice, 115 Blarney Drive Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29223 or to the Humane Society of South Carolina, 121 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209. Online condolences may be expressed at www.abbeyfh.com.