Willie James Allen

Willie “Gator” James Allen, age 80, peacefully passed away on December 18, 2025 in DeLand, Florida. He was born on September 7, 1945 in Sylvester, Georgia, and attended the Moultrie School System.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Loudella Allen; his children: Maurice Allen of Vermont; Teresa Edwards (Devon Edwards) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Shirly Jean Allen and Lisa Allen of Tallahassee, Florida; Darrell Allen; Lavanda Paisley (Henry); Eric Graham (Vivian); Audrey McCullough; and Bruce Haddock of DeLand, Florida. Willie is survived by his siblings: Earl Williams (Linda) of Deltona, Florida; Bobby Allen of Albany, Georgia; Sampson Thomas of Moultrie, Georgia; Floyd Allen (Wilma) of Birmingham, Alabama; Lloyd Allen (Jewl) of Bainbridge, Georgia; Edward Madison of Augusta, Georgia; and his sisters Earlene Williams and Carrie Mae Allen of Georgia; 38 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Madison Thomas; his son, Willie James Allen Jr.; grandchildren Corey Allen and Tabatha Lasha Stevens; and his sisters, Ernestine Fields and Cassandra Ann King.

A hardworking and determined man, Willie worked for Maddox Radiator Services for 20 years before opening his own radiator shop, which he successfully owned and operated for more than 15 years. Willie believed in God and lived his life guided by faith. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, working on electronics, and thrift store hopping. Though he often said birthdays were “just another day,” his 79th and 80th birthday dinners were filled with love, laughter, and joy, surrounded by family. One of Willie's famous quotes was "He was in the perfect place, but at the wrong time." Willie “Gator” James Allen will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved him.

A Visitation will take place at Lankford Funeral Home 220 East New York Ave. Deland on Tuesday, December 30th from 10-11 am with an 11:00 am Funeral Service. Graveside Service to follow at Deland Memorial Gardens.