Dr. Walter R. Allen, Sr.

Avon L Colmon planted 5 trees in memory of Dr. Walter R. Allen, Sr. . - April 27, 2025

Plant trees for Dr. Walter R. Allen, Sr.

My heartfelt condolences to Walter Allen, Jr and the whole family. I was unable to attend the service today but watched via Live Stream. Dr. Allen was clearly a pillar in the community. He changed lives and will be dearly missed.

Our condolences to you and your family may God keep you in His care, Doll and Jeff

My condolences and prayers to the Allen family. Dr. Allen and my family have known each other for years. He was a kind and generous spirit who will be missed. Walter Jr. and Jeff, your father was a special man. May GOD be with you.

I was sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Walter Allen and wish to honor his memory. I was in his band at Pattie Hilsman Junior High for one year (1967-68). I was a white child who grew up in segregated elementary schools (Gaines School, Barnett Shoals School) where there were no Black students or Black teachers. Dr. Allen was the first Black person I ever knew. He was a kind and steady leader who loved music. I was lucky to be his student. Later, in 1970-71, when Burney-Harris and Athens High joined together to become Clarke Central, and he was an Assistant Principal, the yearbook (Gladius) was dedicated to him: "A man involved with the students and our school ... concerned for others through his administering. A man who cares. We proudly dedicate the 1971 Gladius to Mr. Walter Allen." My condolences to his family and friends. Alicyn Warren (Bloomington, Indiana)

Great Uncle Walter when I first met you at the age 6, and my brother was 4 you were larger than life and a little intimidating.. But after learning who you were we appreciated the wisdom you passed on too us. 96 was the last time I seen you physically you never wasted a moment when knowledge needed to be passed on in conversation or when you saw us young ones talking nonsense..... I love and miss you.'re now up there with your sisters and brothers. We We'll miss you dearly You're great, nephew.Thernell v hardy junior...

Sincere condolences to Dr. Allen's Family May he rest peacefully in Paradise🙏🏾💔🎼🕊😇

We thank God for the life and legacy of our dear cousin Dr Walter Allen Sr. We knew we were loved by him, he made it very evident when we were together at family reunions or spoke on the phone with him. So proud of his many accomplishments and travels throughout the years. Helping will be missed. There's no one else like him, truly one of a kind. Our love and prayers for the Allen family. May the peace of God rest with you and comfort you, along with the precious memories. We love you, Avon and Janice Colmon

My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Walter Allen, Sr. He wad a good man and will be missed. God bless. Michelle Foley

Dr. Walter Allen, Sr. taught at my high school, Athens High and Industrial. In later years, he was a professor for non-traditional students enrolled in the University of Georgia Night School. In that position, he encouraged me to do my very best. My condolences to Walter and his entire family. ~Mildred Lyle

My sincere condolences to the Allen Family! He's gone but will not be forgotten. Precious memories will sustain you. He was a kind and gentle soul and loved teaching and sharing his knowledge. May he rest in Paradise.🙏🏾♥️🕊😇

We pause to give thanks to God for our beloved Walter. Our Cousin Walter was the Priester Family Patriarch and I wonder "where we will go from here..." I asked Walter this very question over a year ago, knowing that we had such splendid Leadership in his generation of Family members how could we complete even a small part of the love, guidance and support they did and he most certainly did. He simply said we have to and we will do these things and even more, by God's Grace. And so I pray, Dear God, "I pray you'll be our eyes and watch us where we go. And help us to be wise, in times when we don't know. Let this be our prayer when we lose our way. Lead us to a place, guide us with Your grace, to a place where we'll be safe..." We love you Rudy and Jeffrey, thank you for graciously sharing your father with all of us.

Sending prayers and condolences to the family. 🙏Miss Nita Johnson.

Always Teaching, Always encouraging, Always Learning, Always Vigilant, Always researching, analyzing and simplifying complex music pieces. This is the Giant we remember. God Bless and Keep the Allen Family. Leroy Smith, Jr. and the Entire Smith Family

My deepest condolences to the family & friends of Mr. Walter Allen, Sr.

Celebrating the Homegoing of my First Cousin Walter R. Allen, Sr., I think of Pepi II Neferkare, King of the Sixth Dynasty in Egypt's Old Kingdom. As a family, we should begin with this analogy back in time, for this was before Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, and even the Old Testament. According to the ancient historian Manetho (4th century BCE), Pepi II Neferkare reigned for 94 years!! Our 82-year journey began at my first official Preister Family function to celebrate the homegoing of his father, Lonnie Allen. Walter was a 12-year-old growing boy as a member of the family, to next, helping to sustain the family, in the small town of Allendale, South Carolina. This was the beginning of the end of WWII, when, even though poor, he still grew up like other children playing, dancing, clowning, never realizing what tomorrow would bring and enjoying every moment. I remember him demonstrating the proper care of the family cow "Caldonia". His mother took on the role of mother and father, working both as a single parent and doing jobs such as laundry for White families for only $1.25 a week. From this humble beginning, he graduated from high school at the age of sixteen, received a full scholarship to study music at Claflin College in Orangeburg South Carolina. His mother said, "Walter, there's always a way. You have a music scholarship, there is always a way out of no ways." These "no ways" allowed her to gaze from afar in amazement as her boy: • Earned an undergraduate degree at Claflin College • Served in the military after college, as a musician during the Korean War • Earned Five master's degrees • Earned Doctorate from University of Georgia • Nurtured the development of his family • Mentored his nieces, nephews, cousins and the extended globe within his sphere • Taught music at the U.S. International University in Nairobi, Kenya To every man there opens a high way and a low; And every man decides the way his soul shall go. The University of South Carolina forbade his entry. Oberlin and Case Western Reserve Universities granted admission(s) and awarded master's degree. Dr. Allen remembered this poem by John Oxenham as it coincides with his decision to go the high way over a 94-year term similar to that of Pepi II Neferkare, king of the Sixth Dynasty in Egypt's Old Kingdom. Mother to Son - By Langston Hughes Well, son, I'll tell you: Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. So boy, don't you turn back. Don't you set down on the steps 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard. Don't you fall now— For I'se still goin', honey, I'se still climbin', And life for me ain't been no crystal stair. Frank L. Sampson, Jr., MS

My condolences to the family

My condolences to the entire family. Dr.Allen will always be remembered.

Dr Allen meant so much to me and my family.So much love and respect for the entire Allen family. Greg Reeves

Condolences to the family from Benny Wise. Cedar Shoals Class of 1979.

Condolences to the family.

I don't know where to begin but Dr. Allen was a legendary giant whose shoulders the Athens community stood on. He exemplified black excellence. His life lessons will forever be enshrined in my life and my fellow Athenians. Rest in peace Dr. Allen your contributions and life will forever remain in our 💞

My favorite teacher was always busy helping others.

Dr Allen was at Cedar Shoals 82 Reunion he was glad to see alot of us and he told me how proud he was of me will never forget him and his words of encouragement!! RIP 🙏

We will always cherish when Uncle Walter attended one of our sons' wedding in Sarasota, Fl. Uncle Walter enlisted a friend to drive him from Athens to attend the wedding. He stayed for the ceremony but left before the reception. Uncle Walter made sure he witnessed his late brother , Ezekiel's grandson wedding. May Uncle Walter rest in eternal peace. Marta & Zeke Allen Jr.

My condolences to the family. May God

My sincerest condolences to Walter Jr and the entire Allen family RIP Mr Allen Sr, thanks for being such a great inspiration to so many Sincerely Mrs Wanda "Cookie Payne" Cooper

Mr Allen was there at cedar shoals always stay on me didn't understand him then but know when I look back I think the lord for him your family are in my prayers

God bless you

My sincere condolences to the family of Walter Allen Sr.

Mr. Allen was a good friend. He had my son with him on his radio show and also gave him trumpet lessons. I will miss seeing him at the YMCA My condolences to Walter Jr. and the family.

Sending condolences to the family.

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