Robert Donald Allen

Robert Donald Allen of Latta, South Carolina went home to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 03, 2015, after a bravely fought seven-year battle with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 63. As his family and friends grieve the loss of this remarkable man, Don would tell you that he was one of the lucky ones. He would say that his Grand Adventure began 42 years ago on July 8, 1973 when he first met Vicki Gillie in Rota, Spain, and that he has been sailing the ocean waves with the sea-breeze on his face and the taste of saltwater in his mouth ever since. He would say that his Grand Adventure ended the same way it began—with his wife by his side—and he would say not to grieve because his Captain has ordered him into port. He has heard the sounds of that final buoy signaling his arrival home. Don was born in Dillon, South Carolina on August 11, 1952. He attended school in Latta where many of his classmates were also his cousins or other family relation. He went on to attend Clemson University and then was drafted into the Navy in 1972, which he would tell you was one of the biggest blessings of his life, even though he did not realize it at the time. This event set his life on a different course than what he had planned, and allowed him to meet Vicki—his best friend, wife of 39 years, and fellow adventurer. After marrying Vicki, Don's adventure would continue when he returned to graduate from Clemson University, returned to the Navy as a military officer finally retiring from the Navy as a Commander in 1998. After his military career, Don pursued and captured his dream to work for the world's largest retailer—Wal-Mart at the Sam's Club Corporate Office. After 23 moves throughout the United States, Don left Sam's Club in 2008 with Vicki to transition into his retirement years. Don believed that the three most important things in life were faith, family, and freedom and he reflected these core values to everyone he encountered. His wife Vicki, his daughter Jen and her husband Jeremy Weber, his daughter Liz and her husband Justin Knapp, and his son Joe and his wife Melanie survive him. Don's legacy continues with his 9—soon to be—10 grandchildren. His parents Clyde and Jean Allen, his siblings Jo Ann, Phyllis, Judy, and Mark and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him. Vicki's father Calvin Gillie, her brothers Scott, Thomas, Joey and Jamie and her sister Denise, mourn the loss of this man they considered to be a son, brother and friend. The family wishes to thank the Black Mountain Veterans Home staff who tenderly cared for Don over this past year, as well as the doctors, nurses and staff at The Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC who took such good care of him in his final moments. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 7 at the Beaufort National Cemetery (1601 Boundary St., Beaufort, SC 29902) at 10:00 a.m. A reception for all attending guests will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or The Wounded Warrior Project (http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/). Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family with local arrangements.