Wayne Robert Allee

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Wayne Robert Allee of Danville and of South Yarmouth, Mass. died on Sunday, May 24, 2009.

He was the son of Edgar and Velvie Ellett Allee and husband of Virginia Burton Allee, who preceded him in death in 2006.

He was born in Stilesville, growing up in hard times and as a young boy worked picking tomatoes, baling hay and delivering milk. He graduated from Amo High School in 1938, which, after moving to Indianapolis, led to his lifetime nickname.

Always a loyal union man (Meatpackers, United Auto Workers), his first full time job in Indianapolis was with Kingans, later acquired by Hygrade. When Hygrade closed the plant, he went to work for Allison (GM) in Speedway as a machinist, from where he retired in 1983.

Mr. Allee moved to Roachdale in the late '70s, becoming involved in the community he loved. He was a member and active deacon of the Roachdale Christian Church. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, served as town councilman and sponsored participants of the local school's national essay contest.

He enjoyed his garden and took special pride in his Indiana tomatoes. He was a good athlete in track, boxing, baseball and, of course, basketball, where his grandkids marveled at his overhead two-handed set shot. If there was an available sporting event, he was watching or participating in it. The Indy 500 was on his schedule for over 30 years. He didn't miss a Colts' game and became a big fan of the Red Sox and Celtics.

He was proud of and worked hard to stay in touch with all of his family, which stretched from New England to Hawaii. He was a man of good humor with many friends. He enjoyed telling interesting and funny stories of his youth. He knew and loved the Lord.

He moved to Cape Cod in 2006 and enjoyed the Cape's environment, especially its clear skies, the ocean and even put out a garden for all to enjoy his "Indiana" tomatoes. He joined the Evangelical Baptist Church of South Yarmouth.

He lived his last years and is survived by son Jerry Wayne Allee and daughter-in-law Cheryl Rayman Allee of South Yarmouth. He is also survived by grandchildren Michele Allee Wiley of South Yarmouth; Todd Wayne Allee of Norwalk, Conn. and Scott Daniel Allee of Greenfield; eight great-grandchildren; seven step grandchildren, nine step great-grandchildren; cousins; nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by siblings Garnet Allee, Sylvester Allee, Lavawn Foster and Morris Allee.

Calling will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Hays Funeral Home in Coatesville. A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Stilesville Cemetery.