With a heart full of service and a legacy of boundless courage, Chief Johnny Allen, affectionately known as Johnny, passed away peacefully at his residence in Lanett, Alabama, on August 12, 2024. Born in Langdale, Alabama, on December 30, 1961, Johnny lived a life that exemplified kindness, bravery, and a dedication to his community.
Johnny dedicated his career to protecting others, beginning as a firefighter in 1983. Through his unwavering commitment and admirable work ethic, he ascended to the rank of Captain and Paramedic with the City of Lanett Fire Department. His exceptional leadership and passion for service led to his appointment as Fire Chief in 2009, a role he proudly held until his passing. During his tenure, Johnny was responsible for spearheading various projects for the City of Lanett and shared his expertise by serving on several boards, including the Chattahoochee Valley Water District and Chambers County 911. Beyond his professional endeavors, Johnny also left his mark on young lives as the Athletic trainer for the Lanett High School and Springwood School football teams for many years.
Chief Allen was a pillar of warmth and friendliness in his community, his presence a testament to his generous spirit. His courageous nature, which shone brightly in both his professional and personal life, earned him the admiration and respect of all who knew him.
Family was the cornerstone of Johnny’s life, and he relished in the joys of being a devoted and loving father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, and great-uncle. He is survived by his loving mother, Allene Allen; his cherished sons, Cody Allen (Haley), Casey Allen (Sarah), and Corey Allen (Emily); and his adored grandchildren, Coleson, Job, Nora, Kayden, Arie, and Grayson. Johnny found great joy in his relationships with his sisters, Cindy Brooks (Steve) and Nancy Hamilton (Mitchell); and he held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews, Matthew Brooks (Jennifer), Mecall Pearson (Cobb), and Hannah Culpepper (Eli), as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews, Brady, Addie, Stella Kayte, Macallen, Lucy, Brooks, and Leighton. Johnny was preceded in death by his father, Tommy Allen, and his maternal and paternal grandparents, Johnny and Eunice Roberts, and Keener Allen and UnaMae Garza.
Outside of his life-saving work, Johnny cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, ensuring laughter and love were never in short supply. He was known for his enthusiasm for beach visits, capturing the essence of relaxation with every shore he graced with his presence. Each Christmas Eve, he took immeasurable pleasure in giving Santa a ride on the fire truck, a tradition dear to his heart and the community.
Chief Johnny Allen’s passing leaves a void that echoes the fullness of his life’s impact. His unwavering kindness, friendliness, and heroic spirit will be profoundly missed, yet forever remembered and celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.
Funeral services for Johnny will be held on Friday, August 16th, 2024, at 3:00 PM (EDT) at the First Baptist Church of Lanett. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. The Reverend Ronnie Jordan will officiate. Johnny’s family will receive friends at the church Friday afternoon from 1:00 PM (EDT) until the service hour.
In lieu of flowers, Johnny’s family asks that donations be made to the Lanett Fire Safety Association at South State Bank in his memory.
Please visit Johnny’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, to share a memory of Johnny, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing