Mr. James Lavel Allen

James Lavel Allen, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday March 17, 2018. The family will have a private memorial service celebrating his life at a later date. Chancellor Funeral Home of Florence, MS assisted the family with arrangements. Mr. Allen was born July 3, 1936 in Morton, MS to Mr. Jefferson Davis Allen and Mrs. Florence Renfroe Allen. He had 2 brothers, J.D. Allen and Johnny Allen and sister, Betty Allen. A retired truck driver, Mr. Allen lived in Salisbury, NC for several years before moving back to Mississippi. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed watching western movies. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Mr. Allen was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, his sister, his beloved wife of 44 years, Merri Anne Allen; and his youngest son, Timothy James “T.J.” Allen. He is survived by his daughters, Kathy Annette Allen Nichols of Lexington, SC, Rhonda Downey Cronwell (Billy) of Richland, MS, Melissa Downey Smicker (Shawn) of Stoney Point, NC, and Joyce Lynn Allen of Salisbury, NC; son, Robert “Bobby” Downey, Jr (Jessi) of Star, MS as well as many loved grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.