Rev. Frank S. Allen

Reverend Frank Smotherman Allen, 92 years of age, peacefully passed from this life on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at West Meade Place in Nashville, TN.

Frank was born May 24, 1933 in Carthage, TN to the late George Allen and Sarah Elizabeth Bailey. He was the youngest of 13 children and was preceded in death by all his siblings. Frank was educated in the Smith and Wilson County School systems. As well, he received his bachelors in Physical Education and General Science, from Tennessee State University, and his Masters in Divinity from Emory University.

Frank married the late Anna Marie Gifford and this union was blessed with 3 children. He professed his life to Christ at a very early age. He was a devoted congregant of the United Methodist Church. He was even a charter member of Dixon Memorial United Methodist, Nashville, TN. As well he served as pastor to several Middle TN United Methodist congregations, some to note Rocky Road United Methodist (Lebanon, TN), Dowell Chapel United Methodist (Watertown, TN), St. John United Methodist (Lascassas, TN), and Dixon Memorial United Methodist (Nashville, TN). After retirement, he joined Clark Memorial United Methodist Church, where he was a member until his passing.

Later in life, Reverend Allen married the late Reverend Lillian Wynn. He continued to serve the United Methodist Church, even after his retirement, until his health began to decline.

Frank served in United States Military – Army Division. He was a very proud veteran of the Korean War. As well, he was a sought after school teacher, for the Metro Nashville Public School System, spanning more than three decades from Fort Green Elementary to Wharton School to Fehr School to Kings Lane School, touching many students lives along the way. He also was a barber, who was a neighborhood staple for the Bordeaux community for more than fifty years, evening opening Lillian and Frank’s Restaurant and new location for Allen’s Barbershop.

If you knew Frank, you know He loved God first and his family most of all. He opened his restaurant so that his family and friends always had a place to come get a good meal and have a great conversation with him. He gave stern lessons that were covered in love. In days leading up to his journey home, he continued to preach to his family and staff at West Meade Place about loving one another no matter what.

Reverend Allen leaves to cherish his memory and legacy of love, his children, Windell Allen, Elizabeth Matlock, and Wanda Allen; grandchildren, Dwayne (Matlan) and Deondria Matlock; great grandchildren, Shalynn, Sidney, Dwayne Jr., Ellana, and Noah Matlock. Loving Niece Georgia Mae Hogan and dedicated great nieces Jacqueline Sadler, Joyce Denise Sadler, Ramona Denney, and Marsha Sanders. Lifelong hometown friend, Ruth Betty and a host of other nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and too many friends, colleagues, and students to count.