Dr. Marcus Daniel Allred Ed.D.

Dr. Marcus Daniel Allred, Ed.D.

Charlotte

Dr. Marcus Daniel Allred, Ed.D., of Charlotte, formerly of Yadkin County, died September 9, 2015. He was born November 16, 1939, in Hamptonville, NC to the late Emma M. Allred and Reuben A. Allred. His children include:  Jonathan Marcus Allred (and his wife Elizabeth) and Margaret Allred Finnerud (and her husband Kenneth); Mother of his children: Amanda G. Allred; Grandchildren:  Nico Doorn, Chase, Warner and Parks Allred; Great-grandchild: Aedin Doorn; Brother: G. Kenneth Allred; Pre-deceased siblings:  R.A. Allred, Margie Allred Caudle; Nephews and Nieces:  Nick, Bob and David Allred, G. Kenneth Allred, Jr., Deena Cain Hodges, David Cain, Christy Pardue Dobson, Jason, Russ and Adam Pardue. Dr. Allred's degrees include:  B.A., Guilford College, Physical Education (1962), M.Ed. in Guidance Counseling, UNC-Greensboro, D.Ed., Duke University (1977). Born in-home to a forty-year-old mother, Marcus was the youngest of four siblings. He grew up attending West Yadkin School frequently beginning his days working on his family's farm. As his parents aged, his oldest brother and only sister became his caregivers, devotedly supporting him in his personal, athletic, and eventual academic endeavors. On his father's advice, Marcus left Yadkin county, becoming a teacher and basketball coach at West Forsyth High School. During the height of racial discrimination, Marcus championed tolerance, embracing his African-American colleagues and players, frequently and firmly disciplining students who were practicing prejudice. It was in this role that Marcus found his calling – combining his love for sports, education, and youth development – eventually becoming a guidance counselor at West. In an effort to provide his family with opportunity and revelation, Marcus moved to Raleigh in 1973, beginning what would be a distinguished career with the NC Community College System. The first member of his family to do so, Marcus pursued his doctoral degree at Duke University, which was conferred in 1977. His dissertation, A Conceptual Model for Planning and Policy, remains an influential work for collegiate policy makers nationwide. His innovative and inclusive approach, teamed with his dedication and hard work, propelled his career quickly. He became the Vice President for Planning and Policy, a position that included authoring of the state's community college racial integration plan as well as the founding of Brunswick County Community College. Those who knew Marcus will remember him for his remarkable intelligence, charismatic storytelling and exacting sense of humor. Throughout his life, Marcus continued to enjoy sports, particularly ACC Basketball, cheering the Duke Blue Devils season after season. Marcus was a compassionate friend, patient listener, astute observer and sardonic wit. If asked, he could produce a well-articulated and thoughtful opinion on just about any topic, a quality providing entertainment or frustration for all he came in contact with. Too early, he fell victim to ill health, spending the last sixteen years challenged with a speech impediment and slowed gait. Despite these struggles, Marcus maintained an incredibly positive attitude. He befriended all his caregivers, especially his helpers at Shad's Landing, charming them with his stories and witticisms. In his final days, Marcus walked on a brand-new prosthesis describing this as "his greatest athletic achievement."  He had also achieved more than 25 years of sobriety through AA—a fact about his life we celebrate. Throughout his life, Marcus remained an inspiring and uplifting spirit. He will be loved and missed eternally. A service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, September 19 at St. Paul's Methodist Church in Hamptonville. Visitation will follow the service. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.