Robert Patterson Allen (Bob) passed away on December 21, 2020 at the age of 88. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Sue Norris Allen and oldest sister, Denise Allen Sherman (Mickie). Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Dennis and Thelma Allen. He is survived by his children, Karen Coleman, Anna Allen (Jean Robitaille), Jeannie Albus, Natalie Lauderback (Wil), Jamie Burroughs (Kari), and Crystal Wingard (Michael); grandchildren, Deanna, Blair, Austin, William, Bradley (Kristin), Ryan, Drew, Blake, Charlie, Bailey, Patrick, and Nicole; and twin sister, Mary Allen Hanks.
After his family moved to Nashville, Tennessee, his first job was an usher at the Grand Ole Opry where he became good friends with comedian, Minnie Pearl. Upon graduation from Hillsboro High School in 1950, Bob joined the Marines. He served in the Korean War as a member of the “Chosin Few” where he was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation. Bob was assigned to the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and participated in the amphibious landing at Inchon and the retaking of Seoul. Later, he fought and was wounded in the first engagement American units had with Communist Chinese forces. While fighting through 19 Chinese divisions from the Chosin Reservoir to the port of Hungnam for evacuation to South Korea, he endured savage cold. It was one of Korea’s coldest winters on record. U.S. planes dropped food to the troops that froze before it hit the ground. Many survived on Tootsie Rolls, which was the only food that did not freeze and could be stored easily in their pockets. Only 44 of the 85 members of the “Chosin Few” survived. After service in 1956, Bob matriculated to The Citadel University graduating with honors in their esteemed Civil Engineering program. He was awarded the John O. Willson ring after being selected by his peers as the finest, purest, and most courteous member of the senior class.
Employed by Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation, he built and sold vast boilers that sustained the most beautiful skyscrapers throughout the world. He frequently traveled to India, Germany, and Japan for business and returned to the US where he continued his work by implementing the Foster Wheeler waste-to-energy plant in Charleston, NC among many other vast establishments. Additionally, Bob was a dedicated member of the Rotary International Club, “Chosin Few” and The Citadel Alumni Association.
Bob will be remembered with a kind and loving heart, huge smile that warmed the room, as well as enduring patience. Special thank you to his caregivers Monica Williams, Melissa Mitchell, Theresa James, Angela Lighty Jones, Beverly Bligen-Smith, Sheila Cribb, and Lighthouse Hospice for their compassionate care. He will be greatly missed.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 26th at Woodridge Memorial Park at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org). Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel, is assisting the family.
Posted in: The Tennessean
Posted on: 2020-12-24
Link to original obituary: https://obits.tennessean.com/obituaries/tennessean/obituary.aspx?n=robert-patterson-allen&pid=197352574&fhid=7719