Rev. Walter Allen, Jr.

It is with deepest sympathy that we announce the passing of Reverend Walter Allen, Jr. who entered into rest April 17, 2023.

Psalms of Life

…a time to be born… 

Ecclesiastes 3:2 

Servant of God, respectful son, protective brother, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great- grandfather, caring uncle, powerful prayer warrior, Walter Allen Jr. was born in Camden, South Carolina, on September 16, 1923.  He was the son of the late Deacon Walter Allen Sr., Isabella Perkins Allen, and Reverend T.D. Allen.  

…and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 

James 2:18 

At an early age, Walter gave his life to Christ and united with Sanders Creek Baptist Church, in Camden, South Carolina. After leaving South Carolina, he united with the St. Luke Baptist Church in Paterson, New Jersey. under the leadership of the late Reverend A. M. Tyler. He was ordained as a deacon and became actively involved in the church’s programs and served tirelessly as a Sunday School teacher. While in New Jersey, he became a lifetime member of the Masons and participated faithfully with Integrity Lodge # 51, Jeremiah 13 and Holy Royal Arch Masons. Upon returning to South Carolina, he immediately reconnected with his church home of Sanders Creek Baptist Church. 

Train up a child in the way he should go… 

Proverbs 22:6 

Walter was educated in the Kershaw County School System. He joined the Civil Conservation Corporation and was later drafted into the United States Navy, where he fought in World War II. The Navy provided him with the opportunity to travel the world and learn various skills. He later answered God’s call to the ministry completing his trial sermon in 1983 at St. Luke Baptist Church and later becoming an ordained minister at his home church of Sanders Creek. As education was one of his top priorities, he went on to enroll in Morris College Seminary’s program. 

…the sparrow has found a home. 

Psalm 84:3 

On May 14, 1945, Walter was joined in holy matrimony to the late Odessa Belton. Through this union, they raised four beloved children who were nurtured with a love for God, family, and education. Although Walter had made a home in Paterson, NJ, he knew the importance of leaving a legacy and returned to Camden, South Carolina to build a home in 1975. There he would become a pillar of the community. Reverend Allen could often be found studying and preaching the word of God, cultivating his garden, as well as fishing and hunting.

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and establish the work of our hands. 

Psalm 70:17 

After serving honorably in the United States Navy, he began his career at Inmont Corporation in Hawthorne, New Jersey, where he served for over forty years.  When he returned to Camden, South Carolina he became the Senior Pastor of Parker Baptist Church, where he made an indelible mark for twenty-two years (1992-2014). Under his leadership, the church was able to thrive and expand, building an addition to the sanctuary, with a fellowship hall. Beyond serving at Parker, Reverend Allen continued to make an impact in and around Camden’s faith-based community. He was a faithful member of the Kershaw County Prayer Warriors, where he stood as an advocate; praying selflessly for the community and the world. Reverend Allen was also a mentor. Many were drawn to his humility and honesty. He was able to utilize his communication skills to introduce the lost to Christ, as well as influence others to pursue educational endeavors, as he believed education to be a great equalizer. He truly enjoyed pouring into the lives of others.

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness… 

2 Timothy 4:6-8 

On Monday, April 17, 2023 Reverend Walter Allen Jr., was obedient when he heard, recognized, and responded to the soft and soothing voice of Jesus saying, "Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  

Lo, Children are a heritage of the Lord…

Psalm 127: 3

Reverend Walter Allen Jr. leaves a profound legacy of faith and service to his four children: Dianne Stancil, Walter Allen III, Yvette Jackson, and Greta (Philip) Thomas; sisters: Hattie Lewis and Eva B. Allen; brothers: Edward Allen and Jimmy Allen; sisters-in-law: Rosemary Allen, Annie Blanche Cook, Joan Belton; grandchildren: Ambree T. Stancil, Dr. Cecil P. Stancil Jr., Dr. Anyee’ (Michael) Payne, Lahai (Donald)McKinney, Ashley (Sharif) Mitchell; great-grandchildren: Bria C. Griffin, Nathan D. McKinnie, Eden M. McKinnie, Christian A. McKinnie, Avery E. Moreland, Austin S. Mitchell, Ashton S. Mitchell: and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Professional Services have been entrusted to Brown's Funeral Home.

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