William Robert “Willie” Allen, 70, of Keysville, Virginia peacefully departed this life in the comfort of his home on Thursday, June 3, 2021. Born on July 19, 1950, he was the youngest child of Joseph Dunkley “Joe” Allen and Ida Virginia “I.V.” Childress Allen. At a young age, Willie learned how to farm and raise livestock from his family farm on the border of Charlotte and Lunenburg counties. This passion for God’s creations and family centered virtues were upheld by Willie all his life.  A retiree of the railroad, Willie served Norfolk Southern Railway for 39 years.

Willie was a true southern farmer and his iconic spirit and personality will forever be remembered with his friendly beard, loving smile, embracing hugs, and confident handshakes, all of which poured from his kind nature dressed in work jeans, t-shirts and well-loved hats. An avid tobacco connoisseur, Willie was ironically not a smoker, but a cigar-chewer. With his cigars between his teeth, Willie would operate his tractors and farming equipment on Skunk Hollow Farm, so named by his mother.

In many ways, Willie’s loving and compassionate personality emulated that of any fun-loving, carefree, lively child. This was echoed by his collection of toy farm trucks and tractors. A passionate Chevrolet enthusiast, Willie was often seen in his El Camino (just like his father) or switching from truck to truck to do errands, farm work or visits. Many of his get-togethers with friends were for breakfast and he was seen at many of Charlotte County breakfast eateries any mornings enjoying eggs, bacon, sausage and coffee.

Willie was a God-fearing, American patriot who adhered to the Golden Rule. He was well known for his generosity or helping hand. At the drop of a hat, Willie would answer any friend or kin if they needed help getting up hay, plowing, working in tobacco, checking fences, raising cows and repairing farm equipment. He never met a stranger and could be seen literally daily with his truck window down, hat on his head, cigar in his mouth, one hand on the wheel and one hand fully extended waving and saying “hello!!” followed by the persons name. He was a storyteller, always enjoying memories with friends and family, reminiscing over the “good ole days” or by sharing comical happenings.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Rakes Allen. They enjoyed 16 years of marriage, which was first arranged by Willie asking Liz’s children if he could “marry their mama”. They happily gave their approval. Willie is survived by Sarah Rakes, Shannon Rakes, Scott “Cub” Rakes and his fiancé Carlie Gearon as well as a pack of “grand dogs”.
Willie leaves behind a sister, Jenny Lou Newcombe and a nephew Shane Newcombe of Randolph, Virginia. He will be remembered as a beloved husband, stepfather, brother, uncle and friend.
A memorial service will be held at 10 am., Thursday, June 10, 2021, at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Keysville Fire Department. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is serving the family.

Condolence Messages

  1. Jan Francisco

    07 June 2021 3 years ago

    Liz, Jenny Lou and family. I am so sorry to hear of Willie’s passing. I know y’all are heartbroken. Willie was such a good man, a kind soul and was so beloved. He will be missed by many, many people. May his soul RIP and you find comfort, solace and joy in all the previous memories he has left behind. My deepest condolences… Janice Francisco

  2. Buck Barksdale

    08 June 2021 3 years ago

    I was sorry to hear of Willie’s passing! He was a good friend who I will miss dearly! His smile and laughter would brighten a room when he walked in! RIP buddy!

  3. MARK A FEARS

    08 June 2021 3 years ago

    PRAYERS

  4. April Borum

    08 June 2021 3 years ago

    Sending prayers for the family

  5. Jennifer Smith-Palmer

    08 June 2021 3 years ago

    Jenny Lou and Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss. May GOD comfort and heal your hearts during this hard time.

  6. Bonnie Hudson

    08 June 2021 3 years ago

    I am so sorry he was an awesome person

  7. Pat and Dan Felker

    08 June 2021 3 years ago

    Sending our sincere condolences to the family and his friends as he will be truly missed by many.

  8. Teresa Glascock

    08 June 2021 3 years ago

    I know that God told him “well done my good and faithful servant.” Rest well in the arms of our loving Savior . May peace and comfort rest with the family during this time.

  9. Dixie Dalton

    10 June 2021 3 years ago

    Thinking of you all in your time of loss. Your chosen words to describe his impact are so true…what a lasting, loving memory of an incredible person. Prayers for peace and comfort as Willie serves in his new role of guardian angel.

  10. Ginger Dix

    10 June 2021 3 years ago

    So sorry to hear this. Love to all of you. Willie will be apart of all that knew him.

  11. David Watts

    10 June 2021 3 years ago

    Willie was a good man , a friend to many , I’ll miss seeing Willie , always enjoyed sitting in the Keysville Hardware in Willies presence , my heartfelt sympathy to Jenny Lou , Shane , and all of Willie’s family , God rest your soul , trust in him with all your being and everything will be alright ,

  12. Jerry and Connie Mason

    13 June 2021 3 years ago

    Prayers for comfort for all the family. Thinking of all of you at this time.

Leave Your Condolence

Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published.

*Required Field
*
*
*