Wilbur Ray Allen

Mr. Wilbur Ray Allen, age 75, passed away from heart failure on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. He was born September 29, 1938, in Nichols, FL. and was the son of the late Aubrey and Eloise Allen. Mr. Allen retired from Central Maintenance and Welding, in Lithia, after many years of faithful service. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bartow and served as chairman of the Finance Committee. Wilbur was also a past president of the Bartow Jaycees, and served on the Bartow Fourth of July Committee for over twenty years. He was a member and Past Master of Tuscan Lodge No. 6 in Bartow, FL. He also served the Lakeland York Rite Bodies as High Priest of the Chapter, Illustrious Master of the Council, and Commander of the Commandery. Wilbur was elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Florida in 2006. Wilbur was a past board member of the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville, FL and co-founded, along with his wife, The Shands Santa Project. Along with his parents, Mr. Allen is preceded in death by his son Ray Allen. He is survived by a loving family that includes his wife of 54 years, Diane Allen of Bartow, his two daughters: Cheryl DeNeve of Nashville, TN, Laurie Ward and husband Gary of Bartow, his grandchildren: Jenna Halford and husband Stephen, Lauren Rae Ward, Mackenzie Ward, A.J. DeNeve and wife Liz, Aimee DeNeve, and his great grandchildren: Bailey Lewis and Griffin Lewis. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 14th from 10 AM to 11 AM at First United Methodist Church of Bartow with funeral services following at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Bartow at 310 S. Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830.