Freddie Lee Allen

Allen ~ Freddie Lee Allen, a devoted family man, decorated public servant, and faithful deacon, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at the age of 87.

Early Life and Family Roots

Freddie was born on September 4, 1938, to James Allen and Mattie Cooper. Following the tragic loss of his mother, Freddie and his brothers relocated to New York. There, they were raised in a warm, nurturing household by their maternal grandmother, Rachel Cooper, and aunts, Lillian (Cooper) Smith and Anna Crawley—a foundation that set Freddie up for a loving, successful, and robust life. Freddie was preceded in death by his four brothers: eldest brother Benny, younger brother Ernest, and infant twin brothers.

Freddie’s deep family roots extended across the country. In Jacksonville, Florida, where his mother’s family originated, he leaves behind his cousin Doretha Boylin and her extensive family. In Kansas, he is remembered by a large circle of surviving cousins, including Lillie "Sister" Hathaway, Yvette McCoy, Veronica Ware, Wanda McCoy, Norman McCoy, and Freddie “Buster” White, along with Buster’s daughters, Deborah, Rita, and Leslie.

Marriage, Military Service, and Career

A proud graduate of Gompers High School, Freddie married the love of his life, Carole, on September 27, 1959. Together, they built a beautiful life and shared a union that blessed them with three children: Angelena, Lorraine, and Freddie Jr., who preceded his father in death.

Freddie answered the call to serve his country by spending three years in the National Guard and six years in the Army Reserve, culminating in an honorable discharge.

On August 15, 1963, Freddie began a distinguished 23-year career with the New York City Department of Correction. Known for his bravery and leadership, he was promoted to Captain on November 11, 1978. Notably, during a dangerous prison riot in November 1975, Freddie's heroic efforts to regain control of the facility landed him on the front page of the New York Daily News. He retired with honor on November 29, 1986.

Faith and Golden Years

Freddie’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a dedicated member of the Greater Calvary Gospel Assembly Inc., where he served faithfully as a Deacon under Pastor Juan Davis. His boundless generosity and willingness to help others left an indelible mark on his church community.

In his retirement, Freddie embraced life’s simple pleasures. He loved traveling, testing his luck at casino games, and spending quality time with family and friends. Always active, he served on his Co-Op Board, worked part-time at a close friend's store, and was the neighborhood handyman who could always be counted on for a fix. True to his practical nature, he also made sure to get plenty of well-deserved rest.

In 2024, Freddie returned to his family roots by relocating to Florida to reside with his daughters. He quickly found a joyful community at Live, Love & Smile Home Care, where he spent his final years enjoying fun-filled days, surrounded by love and laughter.

Freddie’s legacy of bravery, devotion, and kindness lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation Service for Freddie Lee Allen will be 1:00 PM Friday, July 3, 2026, at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Restlawn Memorial Park South. Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Dr, 904.924.9400. 

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