Charles Allen

Charles Lee Allen, 75, of 829 S. Main Street, formerly of Lexington, died April 14, 2006 at Cape Fear Valley Community Center, Fayetteville, NC. Mr. Allen spent almost 40 years as an educator, he came to Bladen County as band director for four high schools, Bladenboro, Clarkton, Elizabethtown, and Tar Heel in 1952. A few years later he was assigned to Bladenboro High School only. He continued in that position until being named principal of Bladenboro High School, where he served until his retirement in 1992. During his tenure he served in many capacities and received many honors. Among these were the Bladenboro High School Band Room being renamed in his honor. During this time The Old Timer\\'s Band performed, under the direction of the late Ray Haney. This group was also renamed the Charles L. Allen Band. One other honor was his being named as one of the region\\'s top principals contributing the most to the High School Athletic Association.



The funeral is Monday, April 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bladenboro. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Cemetery.



Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Peggy M. Allen, a son, Charles L. Allen, Jr. of Ocean Isle Beach, a daughter, Cathy A. Gunter of Raleigh; a daughter, Carolyn Mack and husband Scot of Wake Forest; 5 grandsons, Lee Allen, III; David Allen, Kyle Gunter, Ryan Gunter, and Spencer Mack.



In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to the choir of First Baptist Church, 500 N. Main St. Bladenboro, NC where he served as choir director for many years.