Rev. Alvin Joel Allen, age 78

Rev. Alvin Joel Allen, age 78, of Spindale, NC, died Friday, November 25, 2022.

Alvin was the son of the late Dutch & Ruby Harrill Allen and a native of Rutherford County. He was a US Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War and flew reconnaissance missions over enemy countries. He worked for the Town of Forest City Police as a dispatcher for a number of years. Alvin was a graduate of East High School; Baptist Bible College, Missouri; Covington Theological Seminary, Georgia. He was called into the ministry and served for 50 years. He was a church planter first in Idaho. He was interim pastor at Drury Dobbins, Gray's Creek and Shiloh Baptist Churches. Alvin was currently serving as the pastor of Oak Springs Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by sisters Deanna Dills & Judy Allen and a brother Sidney Allen.

He is survived by his wife Judith Melton Allen, daughter Ami Marie Allen of San Diego CA.

Five sisters Nancy Frady (H. L. deceased), Brenda McEntire (Jeff), Sara Sheppard (Wayne), Hannah Jolley (Randy), Kathy Houser (Philip). Two Brothers George Allen (Camellia), James Allen (Sherry). Brother-in-laws: Jerry Melton (Jane), Charlie Dills.

The funeral service was held November 29 at Oak Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Kevin Rohm and Rev. Anton Roos officiating. The Rutherford County Honor Guard provided military honors.

Memorials may be made to Oak Springs Baptist Church; 2501 Rock Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

An online guest register is available at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com.