Arthur "Hop" Allen Jr., age 91, a longtime resident of Fairhope since 1957, quietly died at home surrounded by loved ones on March 22, 2018.
He was an active and longtime member of the Fairhope United Methodist Church and a past Worshipful Master of the Masonic Greeno Lodge 598.
He was a veteran who served in World War II as a medic and hospital X-ray technician, and was a member of the American Legion.
One of his proudest accomplishments was the nine years he worked tirelessly as a member of the Fairhope Veteran's Memorial Committee to raise funds for the creation of the Fairhope Veteran's Memorial "Tears of Sorrow, Tears of Joy" which is now part of Henry George Park on the bluff overlooking the municipal pier.
He loved sports at every level, serving for several years as a coach, umpire and referee for Fairhope Youth Leagues. However, his passion and oftentimes, rabid support, was for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. He became a Tide fan while living in Tuscaloosa during his youth. From that point forward, he bled crimson.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jimmie M. Allen; a son, Geary Allen (Sandra); two daughters, Michele Antinarella (Jimmy), Alyssa Harbison (Douglas); a step-grandson, Brandon Booth; his pride and joy granddaughters, Zoe Katherine Allen and Hayleigh D'Anna Harbison; a brother, Charles A. Allen (Phyllis); and several nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service and interment will be held at Memory Gardens of Fairhope.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made in his memory to the Imagine campaign of the Fairhope United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 19698 Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532, 251-990-7775, www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
