Albert Jackson Allen

January 16, 1928 – July 21, 2026

Albert Jackson (Jack) Allen passed away on July 21, 2026.

Born to Asa Albert Allen and Bessie Woodyard Allen in Bluefield, WV, Jack grew up and attended school in the Bluefield area. At the tender age of 17, he left school and joined the Navy near the end of World War II. After serving his time with the military, he returned to Bluefield where on November 18, 1950, he married the love of his life, Peggy Maxine Buchanan. Together, they shared their lives for over 75 years at the time of his passing. In order to better care for his family during these early years, Jack felt the need and desire to earn his GED; mission accomplished. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Ulys Allen and Wiley Allen, sister Vivian Allen Tabor and daughter-in-law, Diane Pike Allen.

The young couple moved to Dayton, Ohio where Jack began a successful career as a machinist and experimental engineer with the Air Force. They were blessed with the birth of an only child, Gary Albert Allen, born November 11, 1951. Throughout his career, Jack received numerous commendations for products and/or procedures for everything from cooling vests used in Southeast Asia to adaptions for aircraft weapons and material testing. Upon retirement from Wright Patterson AFB and with his son growing up and moving westward, it was time to consider returning to home grounds, Bluefield.

Family, friends and neighbors all referred to Jack as Mr. Fix-It as he was always available, willing and eager to help everyone. He was knowledgeable with plumbing, electrical, automotive and especially woodworking and refinishing furniture; if he didn't know how to, he would "invent" a way to "fix-it".

Jack was a man of many talents and interests. Among them were his long time love of ham radio operation and playing his banjo. For many years he played with the Kettering Banjo Society as they performed around the Dayton, Ohio area. Until his health began to fail, he was very active in the work at Virginia Avenue United Methodist Church as he and his fellow workers kept the church physically fit.

Jack is survived by his wife Peggy of Dogwood Crossing, Tazewell, VA. son Gary Allen step-grandson Dusty (Maria) Bishop, son Zachary (Briana) Allen of Yukon, OK, great-grandchildren George Roland Bishop, Jack Rhoden Allen and Hazel Maxine Allen are left with loving memories. One sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews will also fondly remember "Jack". He will also be missed by his four-legged family member (Scooter).

Jack Allen was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and uncle and a great neighbor and friend. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.

The family would especially like to thank Ray Maupin (nephew) who helped Jack and Peggy over the past several years. He was always there for them, taking them to doctor appointments, helping with Peggy's medications, and making Walmart runs. Thank you so much.

Friends may visit the family on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Dudley Funeral Home at 1 PM. Funeral service will be at 2PM; burial will be on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Maple Hill Cemetery in Bluefield, VA. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Maple Hill Cemetery on Monday morning no later than 10:45 A.M.