Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Bishop David F. Allen

10/08/1959 - 01/01/2024

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Obituary For Bishop David F. Allen

Bishop David Foster Allen, age 64, born and reared in Greentown, WV, but a longtime resident of Beckley WV, passed away on January 1, 2024 at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, WV surrounded by family.

Bishop Allen was born on October 8, 1959, he was the son of the late Leroy Allen and Alder Irene (Harrison) Allen of Greentown, WV.

He was educated in the Fayette County public school system. He became a member of First Baptist Church of Greentown in 1970, under the pastorship of Rev. T. M. Stevens. Bishop Allen received his call to ministry in November of 1973 at the tender age of 14 and from that time on he actively pursued his calling.

In 1977, he joined the Army earning the decoration of expert rifleman, but after a little over a year in the military, the call to ministry was just too great, and he was eventually honorably discharged and able to pursue ministry full time with no distractions. Being able to pursue ministry full force, he held several teaching certificates and certifications through the National Baptist Convention, and served as Pastor, assistant Pastor and supply minister to many area churches and did extensive work in the evangelistic field. Bishop Allen served as supply minister to Welcome Baptist Church, before eventually becoming the pastor in August of 1993, where he served faithfully until his death. He was a member of Christian Ministerial Alliance of Beckley, WV, where he served as president. Bishop Allen also spent some time as a member of the Winding Gulf District Association, where he held various positions. Beyond the four walls, he served some time on Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital’s Chaplains Board and Raleigh General’s Chaplains board, where he served as a first and second call duty chaplain on a rotating basis.

Many do not know that Bishop Allen was also an excellent writer, he wrote poetry and children’s short stories although he never pursued any publishing, he was gifted in many ways.

Bishop Allen had several remarkable achievements, but one that stood out is when he had the distinct honor in February of 2005 of going to Washington, DC and offering The Prayer for the Nation in the United States House of Representatives. He always felt that his selection to do the prayer in the nation’s capital was by divine appointment.

He was married to Gloria J. (Winbush) Allen of Beckley, WV. He would often see her on the WOAY morning news, and hear her on WBKW radio, a gospel radio station and would ask his mom who she was. He was intrigued by her and started coming around the radio station and bringing her a bouquet of flowers everyday. After two years of courting, they wed December 5, 1981, from this union came 5 children, Tony, David, Angel, Amber, and Alexis. They were married 42 years and together for a total of 44 years.

Of all the things said about Bishop Allen, it is most important that you know that he was a God-Called, Fire Baptized, Holy Ghost Filled, Anointed man of God.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy Allen and Alder Irene (Harrison) Allen and two brothers, Gordon L. Harrison and John J. Harrison (Antonia).

He leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving wife of 42 years, Gloria J. Allen; sons, Tony (Jaymi), and David; daughters, Angel, Amber and Alexis (Ronald Jr.);11 grandchildren, Deon, Elise, Anthony, David, Devyn, Chrystian, Chrystopher, Chrys-Alden, Chrys-Anna, Ezekiel and Jordyn; 1 great-grandson, Silas; 6 siblings, Steven L. Allen of Phoenix, AZ, James M. Allen Sr. (Patricia) of Surprise, AZ, Ellwood Allen Sr.of Sacramento, CA, Tracy L. Allen-Swafford (Calvin) of Greentown, WV, Temious W. Allen Sr. (Treasa) of Wilmington, DE and Nicholas Allen (mother, Shewna Allen), Romney, WV. He also leaves behind to cherish his memories a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 2:00PM Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Welcome Baptist Church 206 Eighth St., Beckley with Rev. Walter M. Leach and Rev. Walter Houston officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Co-Pastor Gloria Allen is asking that all family and friends wear red and white. Clergy are to be in clergy attire.

To livestream go to Elder Michael McCrays Facebook page.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

03/21/2024

Melissa oaks

David Allen was so nice and just found out he passed and I am heartbroken.
01/14/2024

Cheryl Belcher

Bishop Allen will truly be missed. He never knew a stranger. If he saw you out at the stores he always stopped to ask how all your family members were doing. May GOD bless his lovely wife and children. I pray you all find some peace in his loving memories.
01/14/2024

Randy anderson

Please accept our condolences. We are.deeply saddened by your loss , our hearts go out to you and your family. We pray that God will give you strength and courage in your time of bereavement. Our prayers are with you and the family. The New Gospel Singaleers
01/14/2024

Randy anderson

On behalf of the Church of God of America we extend our condolence to you. Our hearts goes out to you for the loss of your loved one. We are praying for you to get through this time with the peace that comes from the knowledge that God loves you and that He will take care of you and your family through this difficult time. Our sincere condolences. Pastor, Randy Anderson
01/13/2024

MARY ELINOR MAYES

My deepest condolences with sympathy to the family of Bishop David Allen. Our paths crossed at the grocery stores especially Wal Mart and he always had something to say to make me laugh. He will be a greatly missed for this community as well his family. May God strengthen the family with the faith to carry on his legacy. God Bless!
01/13/2024

Elizabeth Settle-Zeigler - Chicago

Sincere prayers and condolences to the Allen Family🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
01/11/2024

Rene Laster

Whenever I saw him while visiting W.Va., we would share memories about our families growing up "across the road" from each other with lots of laughter. He often mentioned the love for his family and the Lord. My sincere condolences, Rene Laster
01/10/2024

Solon Briggs

My Deepest Heart felt sympathy and prayers to the family. Sincerely Solon Briggs
01/08/2024

Katrina Lillard

My deepest condolences to the Allen family. All the pleasant memories came storming back. Growing up ya'll really treated me as family. I pray for your family strength durning this time. Bishop Allen will truly be missed but forever in my heart. Love ya'll Lillard Family
01/08/2024

Rev Greg E Scott

Deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of Bishop, David Allen, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord Humbly submitted Rev .Greg E Scott call to the First Baptist Church White of white Sulphur wv
01/08/2024

Kelley

Prayers of comfort to David & family Condolences Steve & Kelley (Dirk's cousins)
01/08/2024

phoebe Davis

Gloria ,my heart goes out to you and your family. My God keep you in His care.He will surely be miss. Phoebe Davis
01/08/2024

Mr. & Mrs. ( SHEIK CARSON)

Sheik & I will miss Rev. David Allen 😥 HE use to call me Mrs. Sheik & I would be so mad & would say Don't call me that my name is (nae ) & when he would SAW me again it would be hey MRS. SHEIK LOL . 🤣 HOWEVER WE ARE PRAYING FOR U ALL HIS FAMILY & MY GOD KEEP U ALL IN HIS HANDS.. TAKE YOU REST PREACHER & PINTO BEAN'S MAN AS I CALLED HIM . 💔 YOU WILL BE MISSED DOWN HERE.. 😢
01/07/2024

Rev.Onnie Cook & Family

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. To "Glo" , Children and Grandchildren , We all have heavy hearts regarding the passing of David. He has been a long time Family Friend on both sides of our Family for a,along t least 50 yrs. We are sad but we do Rejoice knowing that he has crossed into the Kingdom of God, that of which he preached about in his profound sermons, along with his Great singing voice. David is a Pillar of The East Park community, that of which will be everlasting. We share in your sorrow and will be praying for your peace and comfort as you navigate the days to follow. Take your rest..always and Forever "Rev."
01/07/2024

Charlene Wynes Davis

Prayers - Charlene Wynes Davis And Family -
01/07/2024

Jeani Thompson

My sincere condolences and prayers for the family of Bishop David Allen. He will be missed but never forgotten. Love Always. Jeani Thompson
01/06/2024

Donita D Beard

To Co-pastor Gloria Allen I offer my sincere condolences to you and the family in the loss of Bishop David Allen. I've known Pastor Allen for several years. Please know that I am praying for you and your family that God strengthen you during this time and that he wraps you in his arms of Love. May the peace of God encompass you and your family. Elder Donita Beard
01/06/2024

James & Delena Jones

To family of Pastor David Allen Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness. We are praying that God will give you comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. Love Bishop James & Delena Jones
01/06/2024

Barbara Claytor

Prayers & heart-felt sympathy for Evangelist Gloria Allen, entire family, & Welcome Baptist family! Bishop Allen exuded the love of Jesus Christ and we are blessed & grateful to have known him. For many years to present day, I referred to him as "my hero" due to an unforeseen incident. He will be missed. He fought the good fight & God has called him home for his reward! Deacon CW & Barbara Claytor
01/04/2024

Stevi Scarbro

Bishop Allen was a wonderful man of faith. A true soldier in God's Army. He lifted my spirits when they were at their lowest. He made my heart smile when it was crushed and I thought beyond repair. I will miss his laughter, smile and genuine caring. Condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren. I know the love he had in his heart for his family. You could see it in his eyes when he spoke of family. We must all continue to carry a part of him in our hearts. And like Bishop Allen shine our lights to others. He is in the presence of God and there is no better place for one's soul to be. Shine on Bishop Allen and know you are missed. I pray for strength for his family and his church as God heals our hearts.
01/04/2024

Larry Hoskins

May the Lord bless and keep this family in comfort in times such as this. Sleep on Bishop, take your rest for God loves you best.
01/03/2024

John Belcher

To my dear friend Gloria. So saddened to hear of your loss. From the depths of my heart I speak peace and comfort to you and your family. After you rest continue to serve and give praise. To God be the glory. Your friend, John Belcher
01/03/2024

Reginald & Cheryl Green

Reggie and Cheryl Green Condolences and prayers to the Allen family for the loss of our friend who we just had talk to just the other day,we are really going to miss him,to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord,May the Lord continue to bless each of you!
01/03/2024

The Huff family

We offer our sincere condolences to the Allen family and we will continue praying for your comfort due to the loss of your loved one.
01/03/2024

adah strum

God called home another faithful saint. He will also embrace you with His love as you grieve for the loss of your loved one. With deepest sympathy.
01/03/2024

Ella Leadbetter

Rest in peace Bishop David Allen
01/02/2024

Wanda Wilson

We send our heartfelt condolences to Evangelist Gloria Allen, children, grandchildren, family members, and Welcome Baptist Church. We were saddened to hear of the passing of this great man of God. He was a true servant of the Lord and served all with a spirit of excellence and humility. We will truly miss his physical presence, but REJOICE in knowing that God has called him from his labor to reward. We will continue to lift you up in prayer.
01/02/2024

Dave Knox

Prayers and love to the entire family. Sincerely David Knox of Charleston Wv
01/02/2024

Betty Ruth

To the Allen my heartfelt condolences and prayers are with each of you.
01/02/2024

Donna Sheaves

I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort.
01/02/2024

Steven J Lewis

BISHOP Allen was a real true Man of God and a real friend. It saddened my heart that he left this earth, but he is in the presence of Jesus Christ right. God bless his wife,children, and his church family. Rev. Steven J. Lewis
01/01/2024

Clifford and Eileen

To the Allen family, you have our deepest sympathy and prayers. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington