James Allen

Mr. James Allen, 72, a resident of Union City, passed away surrounded by his family, Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City.
Funeral services were conducted at 3 p.m. Monday, July 17, 2023, at White-Ranson Funeral Home. The Rev. Justin Hiens officiated. Burial followed in East View Cemetery.
The family received friends from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers were Barrett Betts, Byron Betts, Lynn Denton, Mike Watson, Mark Watson and Justin Tubbs. Honorary pallbearers were employees of Allen’s Towing and Recovery.
Mr. Allen was born Nov. 12, 1950, in Union City to the late Renuall and Ruby “Louise” (Bell) Allen. He married Debbie (Watson) Allen on March 27, 2007. She survives.
Mr. Allen served in the National Guard from 1969-1976. He and Donnie Betts started Allen and Betts on July 5, 1976. After he bought out Donnie’s interest, he and his sons continued to run Allen’s Towing and Recovery as we know it to this day.
The family asks, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Hometown Walk of Hope.
He is also survived by sons, Bryan Allen and wife, Tammy, of Union City, Jason Allen and wife, Staci, of Union City and Tanner Haley of Union City; stepdaughter, Lauren Caksackkar; grandchildren, Alexis (Dustin) Rainey, Brady Coleman, Emmersyn Allen, Maddelyn Allen, Zach Irvin, Avery (Parker) Reeder and Landon Race; great-grandson, James Weston Rainey; several nieces and nephews; aunts, Odean Henry and Sue Power; several cousins; and brothers-in-law, Mark Watson and Mike (Teresea) Watson.
He was also preceded in death by his late wife, Virginia “Ginny” Allen; several aunts and uncles; mother-in-law, Joyce Watson; sister-in-law, Ramona Watson; and stepdaughter, April Haley Irvin.
Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home website: www.white-ranson.com.

Published in The Messenger 7.19.23