Donald Kendall "Willie" Allen, 51, of 722 Verge Street, Clifton Forge died Friday, April 24, 2009 at his residence.

He was born in Clifton Forge, Virginia on December 14, 1957, a son of Donald Ellis and Geraldine Key Allen of Clifton Forge.

Willie graduated from Clifton Forge High School in 1977.

He served the city/town of Clifton Forge for over 26 years as a laborer in the Public Works Department.

Willie joined the Main Street Baptist Church in 1968 and was baptized under the pastorate of Reverend James A. Braxton; and sang in the choir under the direction of Mrs. Madie Baker. He was currently attending the First Church of God in Christ in Clifton Forge.

He was a loyal fan of the Washington Redskins, and was always willing to help out his family, neighbors and friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Jerome Allen in 1991, and by his grandmother, Rosa Allen in 1994.

In addition to his parents, Donald and Geraldine Allen of Clifton Forge, Willie is survived by his daughters, Jessica Shelton of Richmond, Tia Allen of Selma, and Heather Vanness of Clifton Forge (whom he helped raise); a brother and sister-in-law, Attell and Karen Allen of Chesterfield; two grandchildren: Travon Shelton and T-era Shelton; beloved maternal grandmother, Mrs. Theressa Key of Clifton Forge; stepchildren, Melissa Nelson and C.B. Nelson, Jr.; and step grandsons, Maurice Nelson and C.W. Nelson.

Willie is also survived by five aunts: Mrs. E. T. Broady, Ms. Catherine Godfrey, Mrs. Carolyn Allen, Mrs. Pauline Ellison, and Mrs. Mable Pierce; three uncles: Mr. Richard Key, Mr. William Allen, Sr., and Mr. McKinley "Minnie" Peters; 3 nieces, Demittre (MeMe) Twitty, Chantell Allen and Chante Allen; 1 nephew, Brad Vaughn; and a host of cousins, great friends, and fiance, Ms. Drucilla Givens.

A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. from Main Street Baptist Church, Clifton Forge with the Rev. Matthew T. Barnette, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Red Hill Cemetery, Clifton Forge. Active Pallbearers will be Mr. William Allen, Mr. Clyde Childs, Mr. A. C. Cooper, Mr. Dick Helton, Mr. Gregory Key, Mr. Mark Leisure, Mr. Norman Thomas, and Mr. Todd Watson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mr. Tyrone Hughson, Mr. Elijah Hall, Mr. Majid Qaiser, Mr. Gilbert Davis, and Mr. Bobby Tucker. Flower bearers will be Ms. Cynthia Carter, Ms. Evelyn Cooper, Mrs. Wanda Davis, Mrs. Rhonda Godfrey, Mrs. Denise Leisure, Mrs. Angela Montcrief, Miss Ann Reynolds, and Ms. Oteria Wallace. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge.

Friends and Family are welcome to call any time at the residence of Donald and Geraldine Allen, 709 Mound Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is in charge of arrangements.