William "Frank" Allen

William “Frank” Allen, 90, of Mills River, went to be with the Lord Friday, December 29, 2023.

Born May 21, 1933 in Madison County, he was the husband of Shirley Ann (Creasman) Allen of Mills River, and the son of the late Reginald Bill and Frances (Cathey) Allen. He was also preceded in death by a step-granddaughter, Sherri Lynn Rhodes.

Frank attended Mills River School and then was drafted into the US Army and served two years active, then went into the National Guard with the 211th MP Brigade in Clyde, NC. He served 19 years until he retired.

In 1970 he started working for Duke Energy and retired after 19 years of employment. He also worked as a security guard at North Henderson High School for many years. Frank was a member of Mills River UMC for most of his life.

In addition to his wife of 66 years, he is survived by a son, Jeff Allen (Karen) and a daughter Arlene Allen Rhodes (Don); two sisters: Dorothy Parris and Harriet Dalton; sister-in-law Lucille Blair (Sam); brother-in-law, Jack Creasman (Pat); grandchildren Bradley Allen, Deanna Blankenship (Chris), and Jessica Penland (James); great-grandchildren: Hunter, Barrett, Trenton, and Lilly; step-grandkids: Robert Rhodes, Heather Extine, Bill Extine (Courtney); step great-grandchildren: Angelica Rhodes, Amanda Grimm, and Micah: and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Four Seasons Hospice for the loving care they provided to Frank.

Memorial contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to Mills River United Methodist Church.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, January 4, 2023 at Shepherd Memorial Park with Revs. Doug Clewis and Gerald Davis officiating.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.