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Robert Allen Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Allen
Jeannine Hill - Harris
November 13, 2007
I just found out and wanted to express to the family my sincere sorrow at your great loss. I married into Bob's family in the early 50's and found him to be a very special person even then. I have lost touch with all the Allen family and would love to hear from anyone of you. Susie and "Doc" I know you will never view the world the same without your "Slim Short".
Carole Rogers Whitley
November 3, 2007
I would like to say to all of Slims family how truly sorry I am with the passing of a great man whom I remember watching on television as a child and growing up watching him each morning as I got my kids off to school..He will be greatly missed by many in Eastern North Carolina I am sure..But I know hes rejoicing in heaven now with our Lord Jesus Christ and is no longer sick and in pain...
Alex & Karen Dalzell
October 30, 2007
Our prayers are with Mrs. Susie and her family at the homecoming of Mr. Robert.
Jo Ann Allen
October 29, 2007
I was lucky enough to marry into the family in the late 70's and become Slim Short's daughter-in-law. Growing up out-of-state, I didn't have the opportunity to hear him during his early radio days, or to see him entertaining kids on Cartoon Junction. I did however learn to dress and time my morning by Carolina Today. When I "borrowed" his overalls that were in the attic, as part of my halloween costume one year, I found out that everyone at that school carnival knew those overalls from his tv show. When our children were born, and Mr. Allen became a granddaddy, people I didn't know sent us cards and well wishes.
Mr. Allen was so proud of the people of Eastern North Carolina and I was fortunate to be able to hear the stories about the early days in Greenville and Kinston and all the surrounding towns.
Am hoping that people continue to share their stories online. I don't know all of them and don't want to forget any of them.
Thank you for your kindness and for taking the time to share.
carol Riddle
October 28, 2007
"Slim Short" was always a morning figure in our house. Thanks for the great memories. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family.
Hank Bland
October 26, 2007
My thoughts and prays are with you all durning the lost of Slim. Over the years I was on the show many times and got to know him as a good friend. We would only see one another a few times a year but he would always recognize me and wanted to talk about farming or the fire department. I was on the show talking about firemans day with him in downtown Fort Barnwell and the Uglyman contest. A few times we talked opening day at the tobacco warehouse and the farm shows. He was truly a good man that cared for his fellowman and there well being. He touched so many lives while on his mission in life and will be soreless messed by all. I thank God for giving eastern North Carolina Slim we have lost a true roll model who loved his God family and friends. We all need to be a little more like Slim. Thank you family for sharing him with us.
Sharon Warters
October 26, 2007
To "Slim"s family: God Bless You All! I know it is difficult to say goodbye to such a special person in your lives, even if only temporary (till heaven's reunion). As so many have already written of the fond memories he gave all of eastern North Carolina, I can add he touched our family and gave us all alot of smiles and laughter while I was growing up too. He sat outside the country stores in Pitt County with my granddaddy and my unlces during hot summer days while they took a break from the tobacco fields. He gathered around a deer stew simmering in the late fall at those same country stores making a smile across every face in the room. I heard them laugh and tell jokes while they passed the day away. It was truly good times he brought to all who had the privelege to spend time around him. Even though my granddad (Woodrow Garris) passed many years ago, I can still hear him laughing at Slim while watching the Carolina Today Show or sitting on those store benches in the Falkland area. Slim will always be a treasured memory to me and my family.
Hicks A. and Brenda Adams Pollard
October 25, 2007
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family for your loss (and ours). To Steve, a classmate (JHRose 1969) and Robert (Bobbie), an accomplice of summer tobacco harvesting for Jake Garris, we hope you will find peace knowing you were gifted wwith a father everyone held in the highest esteem. God bless.
Carol-Ann Tucker
October 25, 2007
My Dear Sue, You know that I, like many others, loved your Slim. He brought such warmth and joy to viewers each morning as he welcomed and shared the goings on in eastern North Carolina through Carolina Today. My privilege of sitting on the set with him as a guest co-host, for a period of time, still brings back fond memories. His "on stage" presence was the same as his "off stage" presence. This man,though slight in stature, was a giant of a true gentleman. He enjoyed a laugh more than most. His recounting of real life stories would bring tears of laughter to all in hearing distance, including himself. Since he retired from Carolina Today, we would see each other from time to time as various places and events. The gleam I saw in his eyes was the same he saw in mine. I loved hearing him say "Hey Girl!!!!", followed by a hug. He was truly a special human being. I will miss him. Sue and children, my heart goes out to you. Carol-Ann Tucker
Lisa Rowell
October 25, 2007
Imagine waking up every morning before going to school and seeing your uncle on TV! Slim Short was his TV name, but to me he was wonderful Uncle Bob. From as early an age as I can remember I knew I had a "celebrity uncle" and was proud of it! I now feel so blessed to have had for 47 years such an uncle whose personality was bigger than life itself! The wonderful memories I have of times spent at Aunt Susie's and Uncle Bob's house are too many to count and ones that I will treasure the rest of my life. Always smiling, always laughing, always loving and kind.....that was my Uncle Bob. When I was a college student at ECU he and my Aunt Susie were like second parents to me. And who do you think I called, more than once, to charge my car battery after leaving my headlights on when working the night shift at Belk? Yes, it was Uncle Bob. Each time he came to my rescue with a smile, a hug, and jumper cables even though I had woken him and he had an early morning show to do. No doubt, Uncle Bob was a "dream uncle" that will remain in my heart forever.
Heather Greene
October 25, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Rita Harper Whaley
October 25, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Edna Williams Stewart
October 25, 2007
My deepest sympathies and warmest prayers for the Allen family.
Margie Harrison Taylor
October 25, 2007
I grew up with the honor of watching Slim Short every weekday morning at our home. He was very entertaining and made our busy day start off with a smile, a kind word, and kept us of informed of the local news. My Daddy always said Slim was the best at anything that he tried.
Jason Patterson
October 25, 2007
I met Slim Short on Cartoon Junction in 1968 on my 8th Birthday. Just one of the many wonderful things he did for all those young and old.
Rodney Nelson
October 24, 2007
As I grew up in rural North Carolina (Halifax Co.) in the 60's and early 70's, my father always had the TV tuned to WNCT and "Carolina Today" while my two brothers and I dressed and had breakfast before school. Slim Short truly was that Southern voice that so many of us grew up with and enjoyed daily. I treasure my early years and the sense of security and peace of home, and Slim Short is part of those special memories. I offer my sympathy to the family and know that you will cherish the special memories you have of this person whose personality was a part of so many homes.
Oliver Noble
October 24, 2007
The only celebrity in the family, one of my heroes and everyone's favorite personality. Trained chickens, holding several broadcasting jobs at once with naps between them, and a voice twice his size. My sincere sympathy to cousin Susie and the kids.
Pamela Sanderson Sparks
October 24, 2007
Carolina Today and Slim Short was a morning favorite of our family for alot of years when I lived in Kinston. I remember Slim's laugh and his kind demeanor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
michael hines
October 24, 2007
he will be missed our loss is heaven' gain
Marie Adams
October 24, 2007
We will never forget the help Slim and Susie were when Robert White had surgery at Pitt, and taking Moma to their home and back the next day to be with Robert. He was so nice and caring.Enjoyed his cheery personality.
Tim Colie
October 24, 2007
When I would come home from the Navy, there was no sleeping in. I always got up early to watch Slim Short and Carolina Today. The show was unique and those guys were genuine. They made me feel, "back home".
Joyce King
October 24, 2007
I was a "Carolina Today" fan. I watched the show every morning before going to school. Slim short was certainly the nucleus for the show along with his many sidekicks and guests. The show was truly a "clean" family show. Slim often made references to his wife and grandson Garrett. Eastern North Carolina has certainly experiened a great loss. Televison has never been the same, nor will it ever be. Slim short was a one-of-a-kind all around guy. He will without a doubt be truly missed by the lives of those he has touched through the years.
Brenda and Glenn Adams
October 24, 2007
We were very saddened to hear about Robert's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Randy McCoy
October 24, 2007
I grew up in Kinston and loved watching his show on Channel 9. He was a very funny man. May God bless and be with his family
Faye Gr iffin
October 23, 2007
This great person will be miss may god bless and keep his family. I remember him from years back I would always get up just to watch this show
Graham Collins and family
October 23, 2007
Susie,
I am truly sorry to hear about Robert. He was always an inspiration to me. God bless you and your family.
Mr. & Mrs. Jerald Wright
October 23, 2007
Oh my, I was shocked! When I saw the picture, I told my husband, wow this Mr. Robert Allen sure looks an awful lot like "Slim Short"-The more I read the more shocked I became to find out it certainly was the man I'd grown up watching. My grandmother loved watching him and Jim Woods joke early mornings. That's just about how our day began, watching Carolina Today. To the Allen Family, May God Be With You all during this time. You will be in our prayers. At least you were blessed for many years, with laughter, love and goodness from a great soul.
NELSON JONES
October 23, 2007
I REMERBER ROBERT ALLEN(SLIM SHORT)FROM MY YOUNGER DAYS,HARDLY EVER MISSED A SHOW WITH HIM &DICK JONES.I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A GOOD LAUGH WITH THEM.SO I'M SENDING MY CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY.MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL.
Anita Jones
October 23, 2007
I remember watching Carolina Today every morning while getting ready for school. Slim seemed like such a joyful person and would often make me laugh even though I was such a young girl and may not of completely understood the topic he was discussing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Mary Knowles (Beatty family)
October 23, 2007
Seeing the Allens was a highlight for me every time I visited my grandparents. What wonderful friends and neighbors they have been to my family and to their whole community.
Linda June-Fowler
October 23, 2007
My Mom passed away 7 months ago unexpectedly. It's comforting to know heaven has welcomed some fine folks who are having a great time--how could they not?! There are so many happy memories the mere mention of "Slim Short" brings. Better days/better times. May God bless us all -- every one. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time and always. (Linda Brown)
Debra Sermons
October 23, 2007
I remember him has a littl gril he use to have is own show before he got started on wnct tv. but right now i can,t remember the name of the show,but I remember beeing on it. he will be miss by all.
Jesse Lemuel Fields, Jr
October 23, 2007
i am originally from kinston, nc...and remember SLIM well from his radio and tv days...my sincere condolences to the family on his passing...he will be missed by everyone...and especially by the FIELDS FAMILY
Toni Burkett
October 23, 2007
I grew up with Carolina Today and remember Slim Short very well. He was a significant start to my family's mornings. When my husband and I married we moved to Greenville and joined the Memorial Baptist Church and Bob Allen "Slim Short" was assigned as our Deacon. He was such an inspiration to me and my family. He will be greatly missed.
Ralph Lee
October 23, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ken and Janet (Lee) Jackson
October 23, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn Howell
October 23, 2007
To the family of Mr. Allen I offer my heartfelt condolences. Like most of Eastern North Carolina I woke up to his show in the mornings. I also spent time with him as my son watched him as Railroad Slim in the late afternoons. I believed he loved his job and that love spread to his television audiences. I have missed him since he retired.
SHERRY BLANCHARD
October 23, 2007
I GREW UP WATCHING SLIM SHORT ON WNCT LAUGHED EVERYMORNING BEFORE GOING TO SCHOOL. YOU MADE MY DAY. ALSO, MY LATE UNCLE ART BOWEN , WOULD SING ON YOUR SHOWS SOMETIMES YA'LL HAD A GREAT TIME TOGETHER. WHEN I WOULD SEE YOU IN TOWN YOU ALWAYS WOULD STOP TO SPEAK. YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY EVERYONE.
Bob Forbes
October 23, 2007
Mr. Allen's personality was so vibrant and friendly all his life that it's hard to believe he's left us. Like many others who've written in, I grew up watching him in the morning as Slim Short and in early evening as Railroad Slim. His son Bobby who was a just a year behind me in school said that his Dad came home early one day and caught him watching Bozo the Clown who was on at the same time on competing Channel 7. Slim just looked at his son, hung his head and shook it slowly while asking in a mock-serious tone, "Son, where have I gone wrong?"
I still laugh about that one... we'll miss ya Slim!
DEBBIE MCCOY
October 23, 2007
I LOVED WATCHING SLIM SHORT ON T.V. HE MADE YOUR HEART SMILE.
Bob Jenkins
October 23, 2007
I had the pleasure of pickin' with Slim many years ago. Wont ever forget my friend.He was One of a kind .
My and my family send our Sympathies!
Maggie Stanfield-Escamilla
October 23, 2007
Slim has been a part of my life for so many years that I can't believe he is truly gone. At our house we watched Carolina Today religiously every morning. Then starting in 1971 I had the pleasure of getting to know "Slim" at the Channel 9 where we worked together for many years. There has never been a finer man (except of course, my father) or a better person to work with. "Slim" always had a smile and a big hug for those of us who had the pleasure of his friendship. Although I am in Texas now, I want to send a big "Slim-like" hug to both of his sons, Steve and Bobby and his lovely wife. My heart goes out to all of you. Thank you for sharing Bob/"Slim" with all of Eastern North Carolina for so many years.
Lillian Tripp
October 23, 2007
I looked forward to watching your show every morning. I will miss you very much.
Alvin & Patricia Clark
October 23, 2007
You left us with good memories Slim' like listening to you on your radio station WGTM and hearing your Rooster Cisaro. We all love you.
Chris & Erin Evans (Beatty Family)
October 23, 2007
Mrs. Allen & Family,
We were sorry to hear of Mr. Allen’s passing. He was a good neighbor and a very special person.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
God Bless!
Nancy Marlette
October 23, 2007
One of my fondest childhood memories is watching "Slim Short" on television with all his news and jokes with my family in the mornings getting ready for school and work. He was a part of my life as a child and I will treasure that memory forever.
Joyce M Hinnant
October 23, 2007
I watched "Slim" the entire time he was on TV and he was always an inspiration. He was a great man. We need more like him today. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
william cousins
October 23, 2007
i now reside in georiga but grew up as a child watching slim . he was a part of my child hood as well as my life.i will truley miss him.may god bless you all in this time of need and may he walk with you through each day.
Peter Brooks
October 23, 2007
My deepest sympathies and warmest prayers for the Allen family.
I got to know Mr. Bob and his wife in my few years as a member and Deacon at TMBC. He always had great Christian advice for us younger folks, to help keep us on God's straight path.
Your Brother in Christ,
Peter Brooks
sandra reed
October 23, 2007
I am so sorry to read about "Slim Short" passing. My prayers and condolences go with you. I remember growing up watching "Carolina Today" every morning before school and listening to "Slim" and the rest of the morning crew laugh and chat. He will be sorely missed. God bless and be with you all.
Joyce Harden
October 23, 2007
I really enjoyed watching Carolina Today each morning. Slim Short was the reason I watched. He was the light of my day. My prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time. My family and I lived in Williamston NC until ten years ago and we then moved to Hertford NC.
Peggy Bond
October 23, 2007
Some of my fondest childhood memories were that of our families spending time together. I always enjoyed talking with Mr. Allen about working on T.V. and learning so many interesting things. I thank Mr. Allen for being such a dear friend to my father. God bless the Allen family during this most difficult time. He will be greatly missed.
Kathie Mau
October 23, 2007
Just one of a million viewer fans who has missed his face on TV for a long time. My prayers are with his family.
Herman Allen
October 23, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Roland Smith
October 23, 2007
Oh what a Carolina Treasure he was! I remember standing in front of the old Duotherm oil heater on cold winter mornings in our farm house waiting for the school bus and watching "Slim Short" and listening to that familiar jingle-tune clicking out the introduction for Carolina Today on the old Sears Roebuck Silvertone TV. Those memories will be with me and my siblings forever; and forever more, Bob Allen will be in our hearts as an inspiration on how one person can bring joy and happiness to everyone else. For a brief moment, we got the chance every morning to forget our woes by spending a little time to kick off the day with a cheerful uplifting note and happy tune that Slim Short always brought into our home. While we mourn his passing, we are certain that Slim is cracking jokes with the angels and kicking up the gold dust on those streets of glory with his friends that have gone on before. I do pray that the sorrow and grief and the mourning by his family is soon replaced with the fond memories of this Great Man who unselfishly shared his cheerful talents and inspiration with all of us in North Carolina.
CECIL ALLCOX
October 23, 2007
WE ALWAYS LOVED TO WATCH SLIM ON TV HE WAS A JOY TO SO MANY PEOPLE.....THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO ALL THE FAMILY. CECIL AND JEAN ALLCOX
Robert Becton
October 23, 2007
Brentwood will not be the same without you!
Rufus & Linda Daniels
October 23, 2007
My husband and I were big fans of Slim Short. We looked forward to seeing him every morning on Channel 9. He started everyday for my husband and I with his good morning. He will be dearly missed. Our hearts go our to his family.
William H.(Bill) Burrows
October 23, 2007
In Deepest Sympathy to the Family of Robert A. Allen (Slim Short)!
David Claiborne
October 23, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Clyde Mattocks
October 22, 2007
Some of my most treasured memories
involved Slim. The old Packhouse
Jamboree, WGTM, and all the nights running up and down the road in various bands, where he would do comedy.
His down home sincerity and ability
to put folks at ease was a rare gift.
I will miss my friend.
Clyde Mattocks
Jim Hinson
October 22, 2007
It was a priviledge and honor to have known and worked with "Slim".
I remember many a morning in studio preparing for the morning broadcast of Carolina Today and the big anniversary show we did in the evening from ECU. Slim will truly be missed. The laughter got a little louder in Heaven.
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