Remembering the

Life, Love, and Legacy of

Deacon Donnie Lamar Allen

"To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

A Time to Live: Donnie, a native of Live Oak, FL was born May 25, 1964, to the loving arms of Irene Smith-Allen and Quinther Lee Allen. He graduated with honors from Suwannee High School Class of 1982. He was a member of the football team, a two-time State Wrestling Champion, and a member of the baseball team. Donnie continued his football career at Georgia Southern University earning two football championships, and his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1987.  In 1996, Donnie was the first African American Male to be inducted into the Suwannee Sports Hall of Fame for being a 2x State wrestling champion, all- state football and baseball player. At Georgia Southern University (GSU), 2x -1AA division National Championship winner.  Donnie was also a member of the Masonic lodge in Live Oak, FL. He became a Deacon at Sweet Hope Missionary Baptist Church July 23,2023.

A Time to Labor : Donnie Allen was a loving and compassionate person, spending many years serving the community he loved. His experience in law enforcement included the Florida and Georgia Department of Corrections, Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, Suwannee County School Resource officer, Suwannee County Probation Office, and the Florida State University (FSU) Police Department. Donnie also coached High School football for the Suwannee Bulldogs and the Hamilton County Trojans. Later in life he ventured into car sales and finally landed in sales at Frier's Mobile Home.

A Time to Love : Donnie met Patricia Scott-Allen while they were attending college at Georgia Southern University. They got married in December 1988. From this union, they were blessed with two beautiful children, Brandon and Jala Allen.

A Time of Leisure : In his leisure time, Donnie enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed attending, participating, and church fellowship. He loved going to football games, really any sports. He also enjoyed watching sports on TV.

A Time to Leave : On April 9, 2026, the Lord called His faithful servant to eternal rest. Donnie is preceded in death by Quinther & Irene Allen (parents), and Rufus J Allen (brother).

He leaves to cherish his memories:

· Devoted wife : Patricia Ann Allen

· Son : Brandon Lamar Allen

· Daughter : Jala Alexis Allen

· Grandchildren : Nathaniel, Xavier, Sammy, and Jayceon

· Siblings : Johnny Allen (brother); Vero Beach, FL, Mae Francis Garrett (sister); Vero Beach, FL, Karen Jackson (Jimmy); Live Oak, FL

· Aunts : Synthia Smith, Joanne Coleman, Gerldine Smith, Merline Carter, & Elevette Sanchez (Heracilo), residents of Live Oak, FL

· Uncles : Edward Allen, Heracilo Sanchez, Charles Howard; Live Oak, FL

·     Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and host of friends and sorrowing family members. He loved all his family & friends

· Special cousin/sister : Dr. Valeria Bristol-Randle

· Special cousin/brother : Deacon Foster Bristol, Jr.

Special Friends : Desiree Williams and Allison Ivey