George Thomas (Tom) Allen, 74, Jr., of Surgoinsville, who was born on Jan. 5, 1934 in Hawkins County, died on Friday (November 7, 2008) at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center, following a period of declining health.
    He was a farmer and was retired after working 30 years for AFG in the Greenland Plant, where he was a Millwright.  Tom was a 50 year member and a Deacon of Long Hollow Primitive Baptist Chapel Church.  He was most recently a member of Lafollette Chapel Church where he was an Elder.
    Tom was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Clay Lodge F. & A. M. #386, and the Knoxville Scottish Rite.  He was also a shriner with Jericho Shrine Temple and a member of the Fairview Chapter #80, Order of the Eastern Star.  He loved his family but Pappaw’s greatest love was spoiling his grandchildren.
    Surviving him are his loving wife of 58 years, Norma Arnold Allen of the home; his daughter, Barbara Edwards of Surgoinsville; sons, Michael Allen of Surgoinsville, Larry Allen and Paula Collins of Kingsport; brother, Fred (Shorty) Allen; sister, Edith and Willie Crawford of Surgoinsville; pappaw’s grandchildren, Angela Camley, Mrs. Charles (Christy) Hamilton, Brandon and Krista Linkous; Cody and Shauna Allen; he was pappaw to great grandchildren, Devon and Jazlyn Hamilton; three nieces and their husbands, Kathy and Jerry Linkous, Betty Crawford and Henry Kistner of Surgoinsville, Mrs. Doug (Brenda) Lamb and their children, Silas and Katheryn of Jamestown.
    Visitation was held on Monday (November 10, 2008) from 4 to 7 p.m. at Carter-Trent Funeral Home of Church Hill or at the residence of his daughter, Barbara Edwards.  Masonic services were held at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel conducted by the Clay Masonic Lodge #386, F. & A.M.  Funeral services followed with Elder Harold Head and the Rev. Jody Davis, officiating.  Music was provided by Jody Davis and Robin Greer.
    Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday (November 11, 2008) at the Hawkins County Memorial Gardens, Surgoinsville.  Pallbearers were Danny Alvis, Edward Alvis, John Seals, Charles Edwards, Charles Arnold, Jerry Linkous, Keith Way and Harvey Lafollette.  Honorary Pallbearers were Keith Taylor, Dr. Arthur Boyd, Kenneth Arnold and Reed Arnold.
    The family would like to extend a special Thank You, to his friend and physician, Dr. Arthur Boyd, Dr. Dan Gonzales, Wellmont Hospitalist Physicians Group and the Wellmont case management and nursing staff.
    Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners - Jericho Temple, P.O. Box 5548, Kingsport, TN 37663 or to a charity of your choice.
    You may send an online condolence to the family of George Thomas Allen, Jr. by visiting www.cartertrent.com
    Carter-Trent Funeral Home of Church Hill is serving the Allen family.