Allen Chester Church, 90, of the Poga Community in Butler, Tenn., went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. Allen was born in Avery County, N.C., to the late Wiley and Ellen Bunton Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Randy Church; one daughter, Carol Church; four brothers, Howard Church, Gordie Church, Luther Church and Ray Church; and four sisters, Nell Church, Della Church Arney, Dot Church Campbell and Stella Church.
Allen was a kind, humble and loving man, always ready with a friendly smile and a kind word for everyone he met Allen was many things to many people — a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. A gentleman whose presence will be missed tremendously by his community.
Allen retired as a Carter County school bus driver, where for many years he “adopted children and their families” throughout the Poga, Elk Mills and Little Milligan area. He, along with his beloved wife Margery, also worked and farmed the land where they lived. Allen was a devout member of Beech Mountain Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and was the church clerk for many years. As most did in the community, Allen developed a love for fishing and hiking in his beautiful mountains and in later years, he enjoyed puzzle books.
Those left to cherish Allen’s many wonderful memories include his devoted and loving wife, Margery Stout Church, of the home; his son, Michael Church of Johnson City, Tenn.; his daughter, Sherry Church Lewis of Wilmington, N.C.; four grandchildren, Stephanie Lewis, Miranda Lewis Wulf and husband Shawn, India Lewis and Chase Lewis, all of Wilmington, N.C.; two great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, William Stout Jr. of Butler, Tenn., and Don Stout of Florida; and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Stout of Florida. Several nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends and neighbors also survive.
A visitation to remember Allen will be conducted from 3 until 5 p.m. Sunday, August 18, in the Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. A graveside service to honor the life of Allen Chester Church will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, August 19, in the Mountain Home National Cemetery with Pastor Dennis Church officiating. Active pallbearers will be members of the Honor Guard and family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Evan Plummer and Gary Guy. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Allen and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.