Mr. Richard A. Allen, 77, of Smith Street, Hartwell, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at AnMed Health Medical Center, Anderson, SC.

Born on July 26, 1938 in Lavonia GA, he was the son of the late Gus Allen and Lena Shirley Allen.Mr. Allen was a retired Ranger with the Georgia Forestry Commission for thirty four years and a member of the Gateway Believers Fellowship, where he served as an Armor Bearer, Greeter and helped with the youth.He also was a member of the Hartwell Golf Club, oldest consecutive member from 1957-2016 and a former member of the K & C Hunting Club.He was a US Army veteran and also retired asa staff sergeant from the GA Army National Guard.

Survivors include his wife: Faye Williamson Allen; one son: Rick Allen and his wife Jill of South Miami Beach, FL; 2 daughters: Vicki A. Marinell and her husband Mike of Bowersville, Rebecca Hart and her husband Warren of Canon;one sister: Nancy A. Sheridan and her husband Bill of Winter Springs, FL; sixteen grandchildren: John, Katti, Leah, Ben, Zach, Riah, Anah, Josh, Lexie, Bella, Brandon, Isaiah, Chase, Lindsey, Johnny, and Kellie; six great-grandchildren: Emma Grace, Logan, Mason, Connor, andLincoln.Mr. Allen was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter: Penny Allen Vaughn, and two sisters: Carolyn A. Dykes and Barbara A. Bradford.

A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, March 3, 2016, 6:00 pm at the Gateway Believers Fellowship with the Apostle David Coker, Pastor Bill Avant, and Pastor Kenneth Hendrix officiating.

The family is at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gateway Believers Fellowship, 6475 Hwy 145, Carnesville, GA 30521.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.