GREENVILLE – The Rev. Garvin Wade Allen, 94, went home to his heavenly Father on Friday, Nov. 13, 2009.

He leaves behind his family a rich heritage of Godly living, and his congregations and friends a legacy of faithfulness and integrity.

Born in Anderson, he was the oldest son of the late Henry A. Allen and

Elsie Mae Ivester

Allen.

Rev. Allen was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during World War II.

After accepting the call to the ministry in 1947, he attended North Greenville College and graduated from Gardner-Webb University.

He was pastor of Southside Baptist in Gaffney for 17 years and Beulah Baptist in Fountain Inn for 14 years. At both of these churches he led in the building of two beautiful sanctuaries and other facilities.

After he retired, he served as an associate at Mauldin First Baptist and Washington Avenue Baptist. For the past 22 years, he served as the Homebound Minister at City View First Baptist. His second retirement was there on Aug. 22, 2009, at age 94. His passion was the church and its people.

Rev. Allen is survived by his daughter, Dolores Huffman of Greenville; his son, Dr. G.W. Allen and his wife, Carol K. Allen, of Easley; four grandchildren, Jodi Thompson and her husband, Scot, of Travelers Rest, Russell Allen and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, of Greenville, Dustin Allen of Westminister and the Rev. Andrew Allen and his wife, Cher, of Landrum; great-grandchildren, Abby Fowler, Brayden, Breanna, Brody, Lauren and Sarah Allen; stepgreat grandchildren, Colin, Walker and Caitlyn Thompson.

Rev. Allen was married to Ethel Crain Allen for 52 years until her death in 1989. He later was married to Catherine Campbell Moody Allen for 13 years until her death in 2005.

His extended family includes her children, Sheila Snyder and her husband, Mac, of Greenville; Bill Moody and his wife, Joyce, of Clemmons, N.C.; grandchildren, Beth Guttry and her husband, Wayne, and the Rev. Tim Snyder and his wife, Lisa; greatgrandchildren, Will, Mac and Sams Guttry and Marshall and Macy Snyder.

Also surviving are brothers, the Rev. Roy and Ralph Allen of Anderson; and sisters, Jeanette Fant of Belton and Juanita Atkins of Rock Hill.

He was predeceased by his parents; two spouses; a son, Douglas Richard Allen; a brother, Marion Allen; and a sister, Betty Jones.

Visitation was held Sunday, Nov. 15, from 3-5 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest.

The funeral service will be Monday, Nov. 16, at 1:30 p.m. at City View First Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Mike Runion, the Rev. Andrew Allen and the Rev. C.W. Jones. Burial will follow in Greenville Memorial Gardens.

The Pruitt-Victory Memorial Sunday School Class and ministers will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to City View First Baptist Church, 2300 West Blue Ridge Drive, Greenville, SC 29611; or Champions for Christ at the same address.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to McCall Hospice House for their gentle care and compassion.

The family will be at their respective homes.