Remembered as a 'perfect gentleman," a "good friend" and the "barrister of Bulloch County," Judge Francis Waldo Allen left behind a major impact on the area with his passing Sunday.
He was 83 years of age. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Statesboro.
Born in Bulloch County, Allen is related to several local families including the Cannons, the Deals, Brannens and McKelveens. After graduating from Georgia Teachers College Laboratory School (later named Marvin Pittman School,) he obtained an undergraduate degree at Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern University) before serving in the United States Army during World War II.
Afterward, Allen returned to Georgia to pursue his law degree, receiving first his Bachelor of Laws and alter his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Georgia School of Law.
After serving as an executive aide for Gov. Herman Talmadge and later being appointed as founding secretary of the Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit Fund, Allen was once again called to serve his country in the Korean War as a first lieutenant in the Army's Judge Advocate General Corps.
When he returned to Bulloch County, Allen began practicing law in his hometown. In 1954 he was elected to represent Bulloch county in the Georgia General Assembly House of Representatives, and continued his law practice while serving three terms.
Allen was elected judge of Bulloch County's city court, which later became state court. He retired from the bench in 1984.
Cecille Boulineau was Allen's secretary for 24 years, and made a significant impact on her life, she said.
"We got along really well," she said. "We went to the same church. He was like family. He did so much for so many people in Bulloch County. I admired him so much."
She learned a great deal from Allen, she said. "He taught me so much. He was just a fine gentleman, and I really appreciate what he taught me through the years."
Judge Faye Sanders Martin recalled Allen's impressive influence.
"Francis Allen was an excellent trial lawyer," she said. "... a judge with a great deal of wisdom ... the common man's judge.
"He helped me a great deal when I first started practice," she said. "And when I came to the bench he gave me great advice. He meant a great deal to me. He truly was a good friend and he was a good man."
Allen was always active in Statesboro and Bulloch County's civic affairs, serving as a charter member of the Georgia Southern Foundation, holding office as president for two years. He served nine years as director of Ogeechee Technical College and served as president of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce.
Allen was a member of the Dexter Allen Post 90 of the American Legion, was named Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary Club of Statesboro, and received the Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award for his dedication to community.
He was also a great neighbor, said Albert Roesel.
"Our children grew up together," he said. "He was just a very fine person. He did so many unheralded things for the community. Francis Allen was a perfect gentleman, and always worked for the betterment of the community. I don't think he ever refused to support a charitable function. I always admired him."
In a written comment regarding Allen, Ric Mandes referred to him as "the Barrister of Bulloch.
"Francis Allen epitomized the firm hand, the strength of mind ..." he said. "I remember late night visits with Francis and Dr. Albert Deal, fine surgeon, in the corner of the American Legion food center snuggled on 301 South, as these two talked about 'one day.' That 'one day' is here. It is monumental in stature."
Family members ask those who wish to remember Allen not send flowers, but instead, make memorial donations to the Georgia Southern University Foundation or the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation.
Well-wishers are invited to sign the online register for Allen at www.joineranderson.com.
He was 83 years of age. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Statesboro.
Born in Bulloch County, Allen is related to several local families including the Cannons, the Deals, Brannens and McKelveens. After graduating from Georgia Teachers College Laboratory School (later named Marvin Pittman School,) he obtained an undergraduate degree at Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern University) before serving in the United States Army during World War II.
Afterward, Allen returned to Georgia to pursue his law degree, receiving first his Bachelor of Laws and alter his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Georgia School of Law.
After serving as an executive aide for Gov. Herman Talmadge and later being appointed as founding secretary of the Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit Fund, Allen was once again called to serve his country in the Korean War as a first lieutenant in the Army's Judge Advocate General Corps.
When he returned to Bulloch County, Allen began practicing law in his hometown. In 1954 he was elected to represent Bulloch county in the Georgia General Assembly House of Representatives, and continued his law practice while serving three terms.
Allen was elected judge of Bulloch County's city court, which later became state court. He retired from the bench in 1984.
Cecille Boulineau was Allen's secretary for 24 years, and made a significant impact on her life, she said.
"We got along really well," she said. "We went to the same church. He was like family. He did so much for so many people in Bulloch County. I admired him so much."
She learned a great deal from Allen, she said. "He taught me so much. He was just a fine gentleman, and I really appreciate what he taught me through the years."
Judge Faye Sanders Martin recalled Allen's impressive influence.
"Francis Allen was an excellent trial lawyer," she said. "... a judge with a great deal of wisdom ... the common man's judge.
"He helped me a great deal when I first started practice," she said. "And when I came to the bench he gave me great advice. He meant a great deal to me. He truly was a good friend and he was a good man."
Allen was always active in Statesboro and Bulloch County's civic affairs, serving as a charter member of the Georgia Southern Foundation, holding office as president for two years. He served nine years as director of Ogeechee Technical College and served as president of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce.
Allen was a member of the Dexter Allen Post 90 of the American Legion, was named Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary Club of Statesboro, and received the Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award for his dedication to community.
He was also a great neighbor, said Albert Roesel.
"Our children grew up together," he said. "He was just a very fine person. He did so many unheralded things for the community. Francis Allen was a perfect gentleman, and always worked for the betterment of the community. I don't think he ever refused to support a charitable function. I always admired him."
In a written comment regarding Allen, Ric Mandes referred to him as "the Barrister of Bulloch.
"Francis Allen epitomized the firm hand, the strength of mind ..." he said. "I remember late night visits with Francis and Dr. Albert Deal, fine surgeon, in the corner of the American Legion food center snuggled on 301 South, as these two talked about 'one day.' That 'one day' is here. It is monumental in stature."
Family members ask those who wish to remember Allen not send flowers, but instead, make memorial donations to the Georgia Southern University Foundation or the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation.
Well-wishers are invited to sign the online register for Allen at www.joineranderson.com.