William Allen Obituary
Visit the Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services - East Brainerd Chapel website to view the full obituary.
William McGara "Bill" Allen, 91, passed away on Friday, January 3rd, 2026.
He was born Saturday, March 31, 1934, in Russellville, AL, the only child of William Clyde and Selma Allen.
He attended various elementary schools in East Tennessee, including Fontana Elementary School during World War II. His father worked there on the Fontana Dam Project.
The family settled in Chattanooga, where Bill attended Baylor School, Dickenson Junior High, and graduated from City High School in 1952. He attended the University of Alabama. Bill was a lifelong Alabama fan.
He was a talented wood maker and created beautiful furniture and cutting boards. It gave him great joy to see the smiles of family and friends who received these projects as gifts.
Bill enjoyed fishing for most of his life, especially trout fishing and Florida fishing.
He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Ooltewah, TN, and he was a mason.
Bill began his professional career in the construction industry in 1952. He worked for TVA and the James Wilson Company. He was a co-founder of Crane Rentals, Inc. He later worked with Everhart Steel Construction Company, and with B&B Steel Construction Company. He was an assistant business agent for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 917, and the head of the Apprentice Training Program for the Local.
He was exceptionally knowledgeable in all aspects of crane operations in the construction industry. He also worked with Electro-Lite Battery Company and Richco Company.
Bill was respected and admired by all family members, friends, and professional associates. He instilled a passion for learning, reading, and knowledge in his children. He was a great source for interesting stories and anecdotes. Bill and his family made many fun RV trips to Florida and the mountains of East Tennessee. Many great family memories were made on these trips.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Patricia Rich Allen (1938-2025); his parents, Willaim Clyde Allen (1905-1980), and Selma Lorine Allen (1912-2002); his only daughter, Katherine Louise Allen (1958-2010).
Bill is survived by his sons W. David Allen and wife Gale, Stan L. Allen, and Mark D. Allen; stepchildren Brett P. Salmon and wife Glenda, Stephanie L. Malley and husband Mike; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter, Harper Adeline Meuller.
Service will be 1:00 pm, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 7555 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road, Ooltewah, TN.
Visitation at 11:30 am at the church prior to service.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.
He was born Saturday, March 31, 1934, in Russellville, AL, the only child of William Clyde and Selma Allen.
He attended various elementary schools in East Tennessee, including Fontana Elementary School during World War II. His father worked there on the Fontana Dam Project.
The family settled in Chattanooga, where Bill attended Baylor School, Dickenson Junior High, and graduated from City High School in 1952. He attended the University of Alabama. Bill was a lifelong Alabama fan.
He was a talented wood maker and created beautiful furniture and cutting boards. It gave him great joy to see the smiles of family and friends who received these projects as gifts.
Bill enjoyed fishing for most of his life, especially trout fishing and Florida fishing.
He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Ooltewah, TN, and he was a mason.
Bill began his professional career in the construction industry in 1952. He worked for TVA and the James Wilson Company. He was a co-founder of Crane Rentals, Inc. He later worked with Everhart Steel Construction Company, and with B&B Steel Construction Company. He was an assistant business agent for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 917, and the head of the Apprentice Training Program for the Local.
He was exceptionally knowledgeable in all aspects of crane operations in the construction industry. He also worked with Electro-Lite Battery Company and Richco Company.
Bill was respected and admired by all family members, friends, and professional associates. He instilled a passion for learning, reading, and knowledge in his children. He was a great source for interesting stories and anecdotes. Bill and his family made many fun RV trips to Florida and the mountains of East Tennessee. Many great family memories were made on these trips.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Patricia Rich Allen (1938-2025); his parents, Willaim Clyde Allen (1905-1980), and Selma Lorine Allen (1912-2002); his only daughter, Katherine Louise Allen (1958-2010).
Bill is survived by his sons W. David Allen and wife Gale, Stan L. Allen, and Mark D. Allen; stepchildren Brett P. Salmon and wife Glenda, Stephanie L. Malley and husband Mike; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter, Harper Adeline Meuller.
Service will be 1:00 pm, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 7555 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road, Ooltewah, TN.
Visitation at 11:30 am at the church prior to service.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.
Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services - East Brainerd Chapel
7454 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
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