Mr. Andrell Donald Allen Sr. age 87, of Shelby, NC, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2015, with his loving family by his side at the family home place. Don was the son of the late A.D. Allen and Georgia Shuford Allen of Shelby. He attended elementary school in Patterson Springs, Number 3 High School located in Earl, NC, and State College now known as NC State University. Don served in the Merchant Marines from 1945 through 1947 and later served in The US Army where he earned an Honorable Discharge in February 1953. Following the Army, he returned to Shelby and worked for the Department of Transportation for over 30 years and as Equipment Superintendent for the 12th division. He was a member of the State Employees Association of North Carolina. He was also co-owner of Blue Ridge Ice and Fuel in Shelby with his father A.D. Allen. He was a member of the First Baptist Church for 72 years and a life member of the "Life Club" at Gardner-Webb University a Christian Service Organization, preparing young people for the ministry. He found great pleasure and enjoyment gardening and sharing his vegetables with family and many friends. He also enjoyed wood- working; homemade Ice cream and helping others. After retirement he enjoyed time with his family and friends.

He was recently presented The Order of the Long leaf Pine. Among the most sought after and valued awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina it is presented to outstanding North Carolinians who have a proven record of service to the State. His proudest accomplishment was educating his children. They all received a bachelor's degree or higher and his grandchildren are following suit. He was preceded in death by Sylvia Jean Allen (wife), from Kings Mountain, and his daughter Emily Jean Allen, age 9, of Shelby.

He is survived by his wife Hazel Allen of 52 years. Cherished by his three sons Don Allen, Jr. of High Point, NC, Robert Allen of Atlanta, GA, David Allen of Shelby, NC and one daughter Rachel Smith of Rock Hill, SC. Ten grandchildren, Emily Allen Poole, Brian Allen, Kendall Allen Butler, Tanner Allen, Graham Allen, Hannah Smith, Meredith Smith, David Ray Allen, Michael Allen and Katie Allen and man's best friend "Sally."

The family will receive friends from 6 -8 p.m. at the Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Friday, March 20, 2015. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Shelby, with Rev. Tony Tench and Dr. Robert Canoy officiating. Burial will follow at the Cleveland Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors.

Memorials may be made to the Gardner-Webb University CSO, School of Divinity, PO Box 7314 Boiling Springs, NC 28017 and /or the First Baptist Church-Shelby, 120 N Lafayette St. Shelby, NC 28150

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Allen.