06/15/2026
***2026 Raymond Shaw Hometown Hero Award Winner ***
Joe Louis Allen, Sr. was born on June 18,1935 in Richmond, Texas to Robert and Martha Hayes Allen. He was the youngest of 5 children. At an early age, Joe helped the family work the farm and on several occasions he put his culinary skills to use and cooked dinner for the family.
At the age of six, Joe and his family moved to Tennessee Colony where he received his education from Massey Lake School.
In 1958, Joe married Luthie Marie Terry and to this union five children were born into a christian-based, loving and supportive home. Joe and Marie were married for 43 years. Joe was a devoted father who was full of wisdom and held high expectations that required everything be done decent and in order. He encouraged his kids to live a Christ-centered life that would lead them to becoming wonderful individuals in the community or across the United States.
Joe was a very successful farmer for many years, who loved raising peas, corn and watermelons. He also had a specific garden for his greens and potatoes.
Joe was a pillar in the community who was dedicated to what he felt were his responsibilities as a member of the community. He was very active in his place of worship; Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Joe served as a Deacon and was Chairman of the Deacon Board for many years. He was the overseer of church renovations and helped maintain the upkeep of the church.
When it comes to the Massey Lake Community Center, Joe was the President for a number of years and was very conscientious in monitoring the maintenance of it. He was the President of the Massey Lake Ex-Students School Reunion for several years and was a member of the planning committee. He also fulfilled other roles related to the reunion. Additionally, Joe held a number of positions associated with the Jimmerson Quarter Cemetery and on some occasions took it upon himself to ensure the beautification of the property.
Joe was the epitome of a person who loved his community and was willing to go the extra mile to make it a beautiful place to live. He left a lasting mark on the place he loved so dearly that can’t be erased.
