Donald "Don" Dexter Allison

donald

March 26, 1950 ~ February 5, 2021

Born in: Jackson Co., NC
Resided in: Hendersonville, NC

Don Allison (lovingly referred to as “Pop”), age 70, died unexpectedly on Friday, February 5, at Park Ridge Hospital.

Born in Jackson County, Don was a son of the late Frank and Jessie Allison. He was also preceded in death by four sisters, Cleta, Sue, Velma and Frances as well as four brothers, Gene, Doyle, Jack and Curtis.

Don was a Vietnam veteran, proudly serving in the US Army. A member of St Barnabas Catholic Church in Arden, he worked with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department, at Steelcase in Fletcher; and for European Woodworking in Franklinton, NC. Vibrant and active, Don always enjoyed a good project, whether it was woodworking, working outside, home improvements, or helping a neighbor. He was a wonderful husband, father, friend, and neighbor who loved without reserve. His huge personality quickly filled any room he entered.

He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Barbara; daughters, Beth Allison Nash (Andrew) and Mary Kate Allison Rikard (Phillip Price); grandchildren, Isabelle Nash, Tucker Rikard, and Charlie Nash; and lifetime best friend, Doug Arney, and new best friend, Bill Callahan. He is also survived by one brother, Marvin Allison, and one sister, Patsy Blanton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at St Barnabas Roman Catholic Church with Father Adrian Porras officiating. The Mass will be live streamed thru the St. Barnabas Arden You Tube channel. A private interment will follow the Mass for immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church, 109 Crescent Hill Drive, Arden, NC 28704.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.

Services

Funeral Mass: February 11, 2021 10:30 am

St Barnabas Catholic Church
109 Crescent Hill Drive
Arden, NC 28704

828-252-3535

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Army Veteran

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  1. Don was always a friend, a good friend that could be counted on whatever the circumstances. He was a great co-worker and I enjoyed working with Don whenever he came out to assist us on the road at the Sheriff’s Dept. He loved being a part of the Patrol Division and working with any squad that happened to be working whenever he could come out and work. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him. He was taken way too soon but God knows best and must have needed him more than we did. God’s speed D – Don and rest in peace. You deserve it.

  2. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during the loss of your loved one he is in a better place now ,don is in God’s hands don will be missed by all that knew him , doc,Linda butler and family

  3. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during the loss of your loved one he is in a better place now ,don is in God’s hands don will be missed by all that knew him , doc,Linda butler and family

  4. Dad (Lloyd) and I are heartbroken. The very best friend and neighbor you could hope to have. We were lucky to have had a man like Don come through our lives and make it better. Prayers of comfort and peace for you in the coming days and know so many many friends are praying for you.

    Lloyd Brockwell
    Belinda Brockwell

  5. Don was always a beloved friend. From work to seeing him at church, I will always remember that genuine smile and handshake. My prayers will will be with him and his family. Peace be with you

  6. So saddened to learn of Don’s sudden passing. I have such wonderful memories of Don. We went to college together and we worked together at Steelcase for many years. Don, Barbara, my wife Billie and I enjoyed many family cookouts together. Don had a big heart and a sweet soul. Don would always be there to help you anytime you needed it. He loved life and his family. He will be missed by his many friends.
    We pray that the Lord will provide comfort to Barbara, Beth, Mary Kate and the grandchildren knowing that Don has entered his wonderful eternal life with his Lord and savior.

  7. To the Allison family
    We want you to know what a friend Don was to us working in the public service and especially at the fair. When we needed a lift up or just a conversation I knew we could count on Don. Most of the time the conversation would end up pmaking us laugh and that’s what we all needed. We will always cherish the time we had with Don.
    God bless you all and we will see Don again

  8. Don was very sharp-witted and had a great sense of humor. He always made me laugh. Such a good man. Thank you for your service Sir

  9. I worked with Don at European Woodworking in the mid 1990s after arriving from Germany. He was a generous coworker who helped this young and green German whenever he had the opportunity. He always had a funny joke ready when things got a little overwhelming for me and it was plain to see that people wanted to be around him since he always had an interesting story to tell. We enjoyed a lot of great cookouts in the European Woodworking guest house in Franklinton with other coworkers who stayed there when in town. I often think back fondly to these days. Peace be with you.

  10. Mr. Don Allison was a bright soul, our family will miss him so. He always made us smile, laugh and he was always smiling. He was truly one of a kind. My heart is broken for Barbara, his girls and his precious grandchildren. May God wrap them in his loving arms and comfort them during this time of sorrow. Don will be greatly missed. You all will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Chad, Deanna, Trenton, Tyler & Tori Hartman

  11. It would be hard to find one soul who owned the numerous , positive qualities this man possessed. Many of us were so blessed to call him our FRIEND. We loved him and do love his precious family. Don will be missed, but never forgotten. He will forever be fondly remembered….Blessings to Barbara and all your “LOVES” as you move forward

  12. “…loved without reserve” is a perfect descriptor of Don! I always enjoyed being around Don, be it a few minutes or all day as his wit and everyday demeanor made the hours pass quickly. I knew Don from working with him while he was at the Sheriff’s Office and always appreciated his intelligence and ability to do just about anything. Tammy and I have been thinking of and praying for his family and many, many friends that you will find peace and comfort soon. Rest easy my friend, thanks for the laughs! -Clint

  13. Don was a great man and I loved him like a brother. God bless Barbara and the rest of his family, Rest in Peace my friend.

  14. Even from afar and time Don is remembered and loved. He was always bigger than life, a joy to be with, a faithful friend.

  15. Don was an exceptional human being always looking for ways to improve things. He could fix anything
    or make them better! His goal was to bring joy as he often asked “Are you happy?” after some repair job.
    His selfless service, kindness and friendship to all will be missed. Hugs to his family, Bonnie

  16. I first met Don back in the late 80’S at Steel Case, as a young technician. He told me what he wanted and turned me loose to accomplish my work. After that first meeting I new he was a true professional at his work.
    Many years later we worked together at European , and again he was a professional that new how to get work done. Don had a great scene of humor and infectious laugh that will be missed.

  17. Don was a great man always willing to help anyone he could and had a smile on his face. He was a great man to work with and will be greatly missed. Godspeed until we meet again.

  18. Pam and I were saddened to hear of Don’s sudden passing. We especially loved his dry humor! He was an inspiration to me to do more for my neighbors here in Florida. During our last visit before Thanksgiving, we enjoyed each other’s company as he gave a tour of his garage and work area. We exchanged texts back and forth from Florida to Heatherwood. I will miss him! Our condolences to his family, and his friends.

  19. This world has no lack of tragedies, but few as shocking as losing our neighbor, Don Allison, in this way. A better neighbor is rare. Always smiling and friendly. Always generous and helpful. A pleasure to know. We felt secure knowing he would alert us to anything unusual around our place. Our hearts ache for you, his much loved family, and we offer prayers for your comfort and peace. What a glad day Heaven will be.

  20. We feel blessed to have known Don. He was always kind and offered help. We know he will be greatly missed in our neighborhood. Our deep condolences.

  21. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Don. We are a Heatherwood Neighbor and know Don by waves and smiles over the last year or two. Always a smile! Rest in peace.

  22. My heart is so sad about the loss of Don. Barbara and Mary Kate are the nicest people who loved Don beyond words. My heart goes out to them and may the memories comfort them at this difficult time.

  23. More of a friend than anyone could ask for. Always there no matter what the situation. Don’s favorite saying to me was “If you don’t get what you need, then it’s your own fault for not asking me for it”. And truly, if you asked him for it, he delivered. I will miss him, but I know he has fought the fight and his journey is over. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again. Much love!

  24. It is with great sadness that I learned of Don’s passing. He was a friend for many year during school and after. He will be greatly missed. Praying for comfort and peace.

  25. I met Don many years ago and he and I became friends. Don is a true friend in every since of the word. Don went out of his way to help us in every way he could think of. He invited us on vacations to lake and was always available to help out in anyway he could, when Charlie squad was short staffed he rose to the occasion to fill in.
    The world has lost a fine human being that cannot ever be replaced, Don’s humor was unparalleled and was always able to change the moral as he entered a room.
    Barbara, Mary Beth, Mary Kate your husband and father will always be in our thoughts.

  26. My thoughts and prayers of peace, comfort and strength go out to the family during this time of loss. My sincere condolences.

  27. When I started riding with G squared, you could depend on Don. I consider him a friend and a follow deputy. I hope to see him on the other side and ride with him on patrol. Don you will be missed. God be with you and your family.

  28. I knew Don during the years we worked together at European. Don always had a smiling face and a joke to share. You will be missed my friend. Rest In Peace.

  29. David and I are so very sorry for your loss. This neighborhood will truly miss such a giving and helpful man. It was nice to have known him in the short time we’ve lived here.

  30. I don’t think Don ever had a bad day. Always helping others with a joke or his infectious personality and loving it.
    Barbara please know we all feel your loss and I ask for Gods comfort for you and your family.

    Rest In Peace my FRIEND

  31. I just heard of Don’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Don at Steelcase from 1982-1985. A true friend and gentleman. Many fond, fun, and funny memories. A joy to work with. RIP Don. Jack

  32. He always had a smile and a kind word to say. Last time that I saw him, he said “me and Arney just go around mowing yards and having the time of our lives”. That was Don, making the world a better place.
    Don, you will be missed by many!

  33. Barbara, I remember very fondly the times we spent together in the old days – both as young married couples and new parents. The world was a better place with him in it and I was shocked and sorry to hear about his passing. I watched his service and it was very touching, especially Mary Kate’ words. I hope this poem gives some comfort to you and your family: Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity. God bless you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you, Dawn Ryan (Allison)

  34. One man in the world who emailed me the next day to be sure we were not near the London Tube Train bombings. Always caring. And all the other times he was a bundle of laughter, jokes endlessly as we traveled together. So many times in so many places. Good company, the BEST company, is very difficult to forget. And that episode at the Sheriffs office when you introduced me to your pals. I’ve never seen so many batons appear so fast! So many great laughs, I’m slightly annoyed you’ve left the party already.
    God bless you Barbara, and Beth and Mary Kate. I loved the family album (the girls have been busy). And meeting you all at home. Remembered too, the boat trip with Don on Flensburg Fjord. Its good to wish you well now, even from this far.
    Rodney


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