Joe Linney Allen

ALLEN

YADKINVILLE – Mr. Joe Linney Allen, 89, of Deacon Hill Road, passed away peacefully Monday, September 14, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born August 24, 1937, in Iredell County to the late Homer and Sarah Johnson Allen.

Mr. Allen retired after 37 years of dedicated service with R.J. Reynolds Archer and was a member of Flat Rock Baptist Church. A hardworking man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, he loved being outdoors and spent many years raising poultry and cattle on his farm. The farm was more than a place of work for him; it was a place he loved and one that brought him great peace throughout his life.

Archery was one of Mr. Allen’s greatest passions. An avid and accomplished archer, he became well known throughout the community not only for his skill, but also for his willingness to share his knowledge with others. He enjoyed teaching and encouraging archers of all ages and took great satisfaction in helping others develop their abilities. Over the years, he participated in and won numerous archery tournaments and operated a bow shop from the basement of his home, where he enjoyed helping fellow hunters and friends. He was also an active member of the Cycle Archery Club and Hunting Creek Archery Club. Through archery, he formed many lasting friendships and leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the many people he taught and encouraged.

Above all else, Mr. Allen’s greatest love was his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held an especially treasured place in his heart, and he cherished every opportunity to spend time with them. Whether they were watching NASCAR or football together, attending a sporting event, or simply enjoying time at home, being surrounded by his family was where he was happiest. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend whose steady presence and love will be deeply missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers and their wives, Dick (Sarah Mae) Allen, Jack (Jacque) Allen, and Charles (Betty Carol) Allen.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Sonja Allen; his three children, Kamala (Joey) Abbott, Jody (Julie) Allen, and Travis “Tee Gee” Allen; his grandchildren, Dusty Abbott, Maggie (Luke) Storie, and Solomon (Haley) Allen; his great-grandchildren, Mia Abbott, Jackson Abbott, Leo Storie, Lucie Storie, and Henry Allen; and his special friend, Jerry Whittington, whom Mr. Allen loved and thought of as a son.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:30 PM Friday at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. His Celebration of Life Service will follow the visitation at 3:30 PM Friday in the Gentry Family Chapel with Rev. Dennis Bell officiating. Interment will be private on the Allen Family Farm, a place that was dear to his heart and always brought him peace.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Mountain Valley Hospice for the compassionate care shown to Mr. Allen and his family. They would also like to extend a special thank you to all of his caregivers, including Jean Brooks, for their kindness, dedication, and loving care during his final days.

Mr. Allen’s life was one of hard work, devotion to family, friendship, and a willingness to share what he knew with others. The lessons he taught, the friendships he made, and most importantly, the love he gave his family will remain a treasured part of his legacy for generations to come.