Daddy, Pops, Lanny, Grandaddy, Allen, and Baby were just a few of the names that family and friends called Allen Martin, whose love of life didn’t come to an end with his death. Allen passed away on February 17, 2024, at the age of 81, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Allen was preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn Cheever; siblings, Tom and Sam; son, Timothy; and grandson, Will Hurley.
Allen found joy in life through the simplest of pleasures. He loved watching NASCAR and, really, anything that had a wheel on it. He loved sitting on the deck in the morning and having coffee with Margaret, the love of his life for 31 years. He also loved spending the afternoon on the deck with friends and family, sharing jokes and stories that made all involved explode with full-hearted laughter, the kind that took your breath away and filled your eyes with tears. He cherished those times.
Allen was also the “Master” of Christmas lights. He strung them up high, down low, around, and around and up and down and all about, then couldn’t wait for evening when they all came on. He always said he put them up because Margaret loved them, but secretly he loved them too. Maybe not stringing them up but the result and, even more so, watching the happiness on Margaret’s face.
Allen Martin was born in Mattoon, Illinois on June 11, 1942, he was one of five brothers. He later moved to Rocky Mount, NC where he worked much of his life with Inco, INC. as a superintendent. It was during that time that he met his bride to be, Margaret and they married and lived in Franklin, VA until they retired and then moved to the beach at Kitty Hawk, NC.
Allen is survived by his wife, Margaret Martin; children, Gene, Tammy, Woody, Jacob, and Landon; grandchildren, Anthony, Trebor, Amanda, Grant, Jacob, Noah, Mason, Jameson and Cailin; great-grandchildren, Nora, Elliot Bank, Elliot Forrester, Sophia, and Lily; and his siblings, Chris and John. Allen’s loving heart for family and friends will live on as a beacon of light for all that knew and loved him. Allen’s preference for the simplicity of cremation with a private family memorial has been honored. Please share a word of hope and comfort with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
