With profound sorrow and deep love, we announce the passing of John L. Allen, Sr., who departed this life peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished so dearly.

Born on May 29, 1950, in Savannah, GA, John lived a life defined by compassion, strength, and unwavering love. He was a pillar of our family and community - a source of wisdom, laughter, comfort, and unconditional support.

As a collegiate, John excelled on the gridiron earning such accolades as Honorable Mention All-American and blazed the track with world class speed. At one point, he was in reach of breaking the 60-yard indoor world record. In 1975, he started the Track and Field program at Petersburg High School (Petersburg, VA). His boys team won its first ever regional title in 1984. Over the years, John's teams at Petersburg and Meadowbrook High School won numerous District and Regional titles, as well as multiple individual State champions. As a football coach, he was a part of the 1979 State Football Championship Team, the only team to win a state championship in football at Petersburg High School.

To know Coach was to know trustworthiness, loyalty and genuineness. Whether through a warm embrace, a shared story, or an act of quiet generosity, he had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. His greatest joy was his family and the young people he worked with, and his legacy lives on in the hearts and lives of his children, grandchildren, his life partner and all those he welcomed as part of his extended family.

John had a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures - fishing on the James, a ride through the country, antiquing, or the sound of laughter echoing at the table of a good card game. He taught us the importance of doing your best, doing the things that ought to be done, and above all, bringing people together.

He is survived by his son, John Jr.; daughter-in-law, Tonja; grandsons, Jordan and Krystjan; life partner, Donita; brothers, Herman, Dave and Arthur; sisters, Gloria and Weslynn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Catherine; brother, Walter Jr.; and sisters, Deloris and Waldean.

Though we mourn the loss of his physical presence, we carry his spirit in every shared memory, every family tradition, and every act of love we pass forward.

Rest peacefully, Dad. Your love will guide us, always.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Marmora Baptist Church, 2901 Exeter Mill Road, Church Road, VA, the Rev. Darrin Hill, Pastor, officiating, and Rev. Barry O. Brown, Sr., eulogist.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.