John Michael Allen

John Michael Allen, born in Temple, Texas, May 17, 1949, died peacefully at sea on October 9 (U.S. time), and October 10 (Italian time)2016, between Kotor, Montenegro and the island of Sicily in the Adriatic Sea. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Camille Wyman Allen, son, Michael Shane Allen, daughters, Christine Allen Rodesney and Angela Allen Weems; brothers, James Lander Allen, Robert Harold Allen, Clifton Eugene Allen and William Lloyd Allen; stepdaughter, Shannon Reid Conley Harris and many grand and great-grandchildren; devoted brother-in-law, Charles D. Wyman. Predeceased by father, Herman Roy Allen, mother, Dorothy Katharine McBride Allen, brother, Thomas Roy Allen.He was a graduate of Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas, and attended the University of Texas at Arlington. Serving his country as a Chief Warrant Officer during the Vietnam Conflict, he was a highly decorated combat helicopter pilot receiving an Air Medal for Valor, two Silver Stars for Valor, and 3 Bronze Stars for Valor. Those who knew him well recalled that he would say, when asked, about his service, "I tried to bring back as many Americans as I could. Alive." He retired from General Motors as a Supervisor, where he worked for more than 30 years in both Texas and the Spring Hill Saturn plant. In retirement, he enjoyed his job at the Columbia, TN YMCA, and ultimately found new purpose assisting returning military veterans in middle Tennessee to find employment, through his work for the State of Tennessee, Department of Labor. In John's free time, he had many interests, especially researching his family history through genealogical resources and traveling with Camille all over the southern United States to small county seats, both taking joy in their discoveries in libraries, archives and cemeteries of both of their ancestors. John meticulously traced his heritage and compiled volumes of information and took delight in copying his children with his findings. At the time of his death, he was, as usual, discovering new family facts, and had recently submitted his samples for DNA confirmation. Having great interest in his Scottish heritage, John was particularly devoted to researching and participating in all things Celtic. As a couple, John and Camille shared many mutual hobbies, one of which was antiquing and collecting more than they needed, but always found a place for in their rambling old house. The genealogy trips always included visits to local small shops to pursue the habit and hobby. Although not truly a hobby, it was a love that both Camille and John took seriously, in caring for their plethora of animals over the years who gave joy and meaning to every day. John leaves behind in Cami's care their beloved Boston Terrier, Minnie Mayo and a most grateful and loving 10-pound foundling, Buster Bear. Equally adored are cats: Noah, Braveheart, Tortie, Micajah, Munchkin and Gaston.As a final note, John died on a much anticipated trip with Camille aboard the small Windjammer ship "Legend," with stops including Venice, many ancient towns in Croatia and the Adriatic Coast, and then the west coast of Italy, ending in Rome. John planned this trip on his own, and enjoyed every minute, taking delight in each port, as well as aboard the ship as he and Cami made friends with crew, staff and many other passengers.The family gives special thanks to so many people, including the officers and crew of "Legend," Mechele McDaniel (AAA Travel). Joy Dove (TN Career Center, State Of TN)) and the many downtown neighbors ("The Center of the Universe") and close friends who pitched in to support Camille in all things after John's passing. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to John's favorite charities: Proverbs1210rescue.org (animal rescue); Sisters Nest, 2203 Denham Ave., Columbia, TN 38401(temporary housing for homeless female veterans).Services will be handled by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia, TN on Saturday, October 29 with visitation between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 pm, Graveside service at 2:00 pm, with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Franklin, TN. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.