Mr. Richard Waters Allen, age 71, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2009. He was born April 26, 1938 in Bowie County, TX.

He was Chairman of the Board of Deacons at the Church of God of the Union Assembly for the past nine years. He was also the Sunday school teacher for the adult class.

Mr. Allen was a member of the Yaarab Shrine and a Mason and past Master in the Caledonia Lodge #121.

He is preceded in death by his son, Wendell Jerome Allen; parents, George and Minnie Buck Allen; sister, Alice Allen White; and brothers, Rev. Clifton Allen, Rev. Rufus Allen, and Ralph Allen.

Mr. Richard Waters Allen is survived by wife, Bobbie Nell Benefield Allen; daughter and son-in-law, Fosteine Allen Crider and Jay; son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Leon Allen and Marlene; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one soon-to-be great grandson. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 26th, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Gammage Funeral Home.

The funeral service for Mr. Richard Waters Allen will be conducted on Sunday, December 27th, at 3:00 p.m. at the Church of God of the Union Assembly with Rev. Paul Hughes and Rev. Dennis Crider officiating. The body will lie in state at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the funeral hour.

The interment will be at Northview Cemetery with Rev. Jesse Hughes officiating. Wesley Crider, Marty Crider, Lamont Kiser, LaBron Morgan, Jesse Starnes, and Zach Sanders will serve as pallbearers. The Deacons of the Church of God of the Union Assembly will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family is accepting flowers. However, memorial contributions may be made to: The Church of God of the Union Assembly Steeple Fund, P.O. Box 901, Cedartown, GA 30125.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for Mr. Richard Waters Allen.