William (Bill) John Allen

William (Bill) John Allen of Alpharetta, Georgia passed away Tuesday Jan 25,2022 at the age of 96. After a brief illness. He died peacefully with the love of his whole family surrounding him. His beloved Wife Bett Allen Predeceased him in 2003.

Bill was born in Buford, Ga on June 27, 1925, To Father William Everett Greer and Mother Dorothea Stanley Allen. He was an only child. He attended Emory University, and upon graduation at 19 began one of his numerous life endeavors, as a Reporter  for the Toccoa Record, next he went to work for the Morning  Atlanta Constitution and afternoon Atlanta Journal  as a reporter covering everything from the City beat and statewide  politics. He interviewed many political notables in his career, wrote Speeches and press releases for Gubernatorial candidates for over 30 years and worked in campaigns from Ellis Arnall and Jimmy Carmichael through the Talmadge Years to Bo Callaway. 

His column for the Atlanta Journal called the Outdoor Empire, he knew every Bait shop and boat ramp in Ga from the Okefenokee Swamp to Tate City.

Being a Bird Dog enthusiast took him to Field Trials from Florida to the Canadian Prairies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He rode thousands of miles a year on Horseback reporting for The American Field Magazine. He was inducted into the Field Trial Hall of Fame in 2000.He dedicated his free time at home to being the best scoutmaster ever.

He was the writer who chronicled the Glory days Bird dogs and the old timers who made them. He got his Master’s degree at age 56 and became a Family counselor in South Georgia and North Florida until he retired.

He and Bett had three sons. Michael Rece Allen (Nina) Chattanooga, Tn. Keith Patrick Allen (Courtney), Canton Ga, and Victor Hugo Allen, Brunswick, Ga (Deceased)

He most of all loved to be called “Grandpa” and after the loss of Bett the Grand and Great Grandchildren Filled his heart and soul and carried him to his  impressive 96 years of wonder, wisdom, books, entertainment and education. He was bright, witty and smart as ever until the end.

He was Greatly Loved and survived by Six Grandchildren  

Katherine Ann Allen and four Gr-Grandchildren

Kristine Elizabeth (Morgan) Brady and two Gr-Grandchildren

Rebecca Paige Williams and one Gr-Grandchild

John Hagen (Stephanie) and two Gr-Grandchilden

Andrew Michael

William Zachary

There will be a private graveside service held at a future date Alta Vista Cemetery Gainesville, Ga

In lieu of flowers make donations to STRIDEAWAY at https://www.strideaway.com or Northeast Georgia Council, Boy Scouts Of America, P.O.Box 399, Jefferson, Ga 30549 in his name.

Please share online condolences with the family at www.wardsfh.com. Ward’s Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William John Allen.

Ward’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gainesville. “A Family Funeral Home”