Mr. Steve Allen Jr.

Mr. Steve Allen, Jr. of Tampa, FL passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3325 E. Emma Street, Tampa, FL 33610 with Ronnie Murray Sr., Officiator/Eulogist. Interment will follow in Orange Hill Cemetery, 4900 E. Chelsea Street, Tampa, FL 33610.

Steve Allen, Jr. was the first of seven children born to the union of Steve Allen, Sr. and Sallie Clark Allen on August 3, 1941, in Tallahassee, Florida.  A man of true compassion, he was a hard worker, lover of music, pillar of his community, and a terrific role model for family, friends, and colleagues alike.  From the beginning, he was known for taking on a leadership role among his siblings.

Like his siblings, Steve was reared in a Christian home under the mandate of his parents.  Growing up in the home church of Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church, he began to learn the rudiments of the Bible.

Steve attended the public school system of Hillsborough County and received his high school diploma from George S. Middleton High School in Tampa in 1959. At Middleton, Steve was a multi-sport star, excelling in basketball and football. His exploits are still recalled today, including his matchups with his rivals at Blake High School. Steve continued his educational pursuits at Gibbs Junior College.

Steve was a trailblazer and leader throughout his career. He was one of the first Black drivers in the Tampa area for United Parcel Service, and during his 38-year career, built a tremendous reputation for himself and a base of loyalty for the company.

Steve was a lifelong sports enthusiast – from direct participation as a player, coach, and referee followed by transition to a passionate spectator.  Whether in-person locally, on the road, or in the comfort of his home, Steve was all-in as a fan. His children and grandchildren are the beneficiaries of his passion and experience, and all the priceless moments that came with it.

Steve was preceded in death by: his daughter, Shantell Burnett; grandsons, Marcus Anthony and Steve Allen IV; parents, Sallie Clark Allen and Steve Allen, Sr.; and siblings, Elouise Davis, Sylvester Allen, Roscoe Allen, Leslie Miller, and Dorothy Wilkerson.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his sons, Steve Allen Ill, Christopher Allen (Nicole) and Justin Allen; daughters, Saundra Reed Gued and Dana Richardson-Morrison; stepdaughter, Angela Brooks (John); grandchildren, Sheree Allen, Cedric Allen, Titus Allen, Elijah Allen, Stefon Allen, Christopher Allen Jr., Daniel Allen, Justin Allen Jr., Millian Allen, Kevida Gued, Shaniqua Clark, Derrick Clark, Marquise Brandon, Jerome Martin, Shannon Martin; his sister, Nancy Allen; brother-in-law, Roy Wilkerson Sr.; nephews, Willie C. Brannon III (Cynthia), Nathan Miller, Roy Wilkerson, Jr., Sylvester Douglas (Tina), Maureo Allen, Anthony Allen, Michael Allen, and Carl Bastain; nieces, Cassandra Neal, Sheryl Sespico, Francene Brannon, Harriet Brannon, Lorenda Taylor (Claston), and Doreen Walters (Richard); Christopher’s mother and dear friend, Alnnora Allen; Justin’s mother and devoted friend, Laverne Turner; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Steve leaves behind a large community of devoted friends and a UPS crew who will cherish his memories and miss him dearly. It’s no secret that Steve will be missed by so many, but we thank our God for the time he was able to walk on this side. For the lives he touched, the difference he made, and the legacy he left, we are grateful.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at New Greater Friendship M.B. Church, 3325 E. Emma Street, Tampa, FL 33610.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners. www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has requested donations to his favorite charity, Abe Brown Ministries.

When donating, please mark your contribution “In Memory of Steve Allen Jr.” so it can honor his legacy in a personal and meaningful way.

Any contribution—big or small—will help continue his passion for giving back to the community he cherished deeply.

Here’s the link to donate:

Donate – Abe Brown Ministries

https://abebrown.org

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