Mr. James W. Allen (J.W.) 93 of Shelbyville, Tenn., passed away on January 31, 2024, at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital after a brief illness. He was born in Shelbyville on September 17, 1930, to the late Roy E. Allen and Mary Elizabeth Faulkner Allen.
Mr. Allen proudly served his country in the US Army in the 1950s. After serving he began a long career driving a truck for several carriers and retiring from Consolidated Freight in the mid-1990s. He was a 65-year member of the Sam Davis Masonic Lodge in Smyrna, Tenn. He was a member of Fairlane Church of Christ. He enjoyed attending auctions and looking for the next “deal” as well as spending time with his family.
He is predeceased by his parents, one son, Keith Allen, and two sisters, Mildred Allen, and Evelyn Allen Crick.
He is survived by one daughter, Melodie Cootes of Smyrna, and three sons, Mark (Sheila) Allen of Beth Page, Tenn., Scott (Alyce) Allen of Shelbyville, and Tray (Michelle) Allen of Knoxville, Tenn.; grandchildren Jessica, Shea, Shelly, Shara, Emily, Matthew, Michael, Erica, Laura, Jacob and Phillip; 26 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give special thanks to Virginia Christmon and Gentiva Hospice for their care and assistance.
A private service for the family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shelbyville Community Soup Kitchen, 336 South Cannon Blvd., or a charity of your choice.
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
