Allen R. McAllister was born January 21, 1950 to the late Arthur and Anna Mae McAllister in Hoake County, North Carolina. He was affectionately known to most by his middle name “Rocky”.
As a small child, Rocky along with his parents moved to Camden NJ. There he and his younger siblings Barbara, James, David and Denise attended the Camden School system. Rocky graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School where he was a stand out track star and received an athletic scholarship to Hampton University in Hampton Virginia. While there, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Rocky also met two of his best friends while at Hampton- Larry Glover and William Veal…the trio were known for fun and lots of laughs! Rocky would go on to earn an MBA from Rutgers University.
In 1975, Rocky was a volunteer coach for the Camden Centerville Simba’s little league football team. After football practice one day he noticed one of his player’s older sister who came to watch them…her stunning looks immediately caught his eye. She was Paulette Heard….the two were immediately inseparable.
In 1980 Rocky and Paulette were married and together they raised their daughter Ebony with love, a good foundation and faith in God. Rocky was a caring and generous husband and Dad, he was also a wonderful Grandfather to Taylor and Isaiah. “Poppy” as he was called made sure that the kids traveled with them to various vacation destinations to share in wonderful family memories and always instilled the importance of showing the “Love of Christ” wherever they went.
Rocky was an Acquisition Manager for Global Projects and was given the opportunity to travel all over the world for Scott Paper Co; Bristol Myers Squibb, Wyeth and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. He traveled to China, United Kingdom, Australia and Puerto Rico just to name a few. He enjoyed his profession and was a dedicated member of various Executive teams.
Rocky was blessed with the gift of gab and enjoyed striking up conversations with long time neighbors- Al, Mark and Timmy. He would talk about sports, politics or share a good joke or two while they all were taking their trash cans to the curb. Rocky also shared a special bond with his Brother-In-Law Charles “Chick” Heard; the two even enjoyed playing pickup basketball games with the local parks and recreation adult league.
He along with his wife were the founders of “ Trinity Mind, Body and Soul” Ministries. Together they traveled to Africa, the West Indies, and the Bahamas to share the Gospel and to minister to the needs of people they met. The Bahamas became their favorite place to visit and fellowship with life-long friends.
Rocky along with his wife were Ministers of the Gospel and continued to share God’s love and the “Good News” on WTMR radio station. Isaiah, their grandson later joined Rocky in that ministry. Rocky and Paulette also hosted a weekly Bible Study and Prayer conference call. They both loved to open their house for family and friends to come and fellowship. His late wife Paulette dedicated one of her published writings to Rocky entitled: “God’s Man” for he loved God, and his family.
He leaves an example to follow as it is written in Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God.
He leaves to cherish his everlasting memories: Devoted daughter Ebony Heard, beloved grandchildren Taylor and Isaiah. Special Aunts Marion Mc Allister and Jannie Neal. Brother In-Law Charles Heard. Special nieces and nephews Jessica McAllister, Stacy Smith, William McAllister, Preston Cyrus, David Mattocks and Jason McAllister. Close and cherished friends Larry Glover and Jim Hale. Prayer buddies and confidants Bevin Donovan, Rico Belizaire, Pastor Patricia Holley, Elaine Johnson, Thelma McLeod, Esther Wilcox and Pastor Betty Laws…as well as a host of other extended family and friends.
Allen’s life will be honored and remembered privately by his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Allen’s memory may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.
“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”