Roy’s Obituary “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All things are gone forever”.
Revelation 21:4 Roy Andrew Allison peacefully closed his eyes only to open them in the presence of his Savior on March 29, 2019. He was born to Roy and Virginia McKinney Allison on January 30, 1932 in Lexington, KY. A graduate of Fern Creek High School, in Louisville, KY he participated in football and basketball.
Upon graduating, he accepted a full scholarship to play basketball for his beloved Coach Paul S. McBrayer at Eastern Kentucky University. There he met and married in 1954 the love of his life, Nancy Earl Harris. He graduated in 1955 with a B.S. degree in Arts and Science.
He received a commission in the United States Marine Corp where he served three years, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He served his country proudly and with dignity. Roy joined the education field when released from military service.
His first job was at Junction City High School where he served as a teacher and head basketball coach. After two years, he moved to Hopkinsville High School serving in the same capacity for three years. He left the education field and became Personnel Officer at Western State Hospital, a facility within the Kentucky Department of Mental Health.
Then promoted into the agency’s central office in Frankfort. Eventually becoming the Director of Hospital Services, supervising the work of six hospital administrators. During the last few months of his employment, he served as Active Deputy Commissioner for Administrative Services where he taught a class in Public Administration at Kentucky State University.
In 1969, he purchased Harris Insurance Agency in Harlan, KY. Over the next several years, the agency grew from a staff of two to a staff of twelve becoming the largest insurance agency in Harlan County. His outside activities were vast.
He served as past President of the Harlan Kiwanis Club, Harlan County Chamber of Commerce serving two terms and received the coveted All Kentucky City Award, past Chairman and Board of Governors for Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital, and past Trustee for Appalachian Regional Healthcare, a ten-unit system with hospitals in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. He served as past Chairman of Cumberland River Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board, a member of Gideons International, and certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church. He also was the past President of EKU Alumni Association, appointed by President Glasser in 2006 to serve as the alumni representative on the NCAA Recertification Committee for the EKU Athletic Department, and served as the alumni representative to interview candidates for Athletic Director for EKU.
This process ended with the hiring of Mark Sandy, the present Director. He also officiated both high school and college football for twenty years. Appointed in 1979 as Mayor of Harlan and elected the next year.
Upon completion of his term, he did not seek reelection. He spoke fondly of his time in office and of the wonderful people, he was proud to serve. Although originally not from Harlan, he always considered it home.
Roy and Nancy Harris Allison were married nearly 65 years and have two sons, Mike, born in 1956 and Jim, born in 1961. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather. He served the Lord in every capacity of his life as he traveled his earthly journey.
He was ready to go home. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Virginia Allison; a brother, Johnny Allison; and a beloved brother in law, Charles Harris. Roy is survived by his wife, Nancy Allison of Keith, KY; sons, Mike (Cindy) Allison of Baxter, KY, Jim (Kim) Allison of Harlan, KY; grandchildren Drew (Charlotte) Allison of Lexington, KY; Alexandria Allison Pennington (Kenny) of Harlan, KY; Boone, Kyle, and Adeline Allison of Baxter, KY; and Renae (Charlie) Cole, Lexington, KY; sister June Hall of Texas; and sister in law, Winnona Harris of Richmond, KY ; caregiver, Teresa Haynes; his Harris Insurance family; nurse and staff at Harlan ARH; and a host of other family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 31, 2019 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm with the funeral beginning at 7:00pm in the chapel of Harlan Funeral Home with the Reverend David Gross officiating. Burial will take place at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, KY with Military Rites observed. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, please make donates to Harlan United Methodist Church E. Mound St. Harlan, KY 40831 or Liberty Road Faith Fellowship 2734 Liberty Road Lexington, KY 40509. Harlan Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
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