Carlton Ellis Allen, Jr

Ivie Funeral Home announces the death of Dr. Carlton Allen, Jr., of Commerce who passed away at his residence after a brief illness.

Dr. Allen graduated from Furman University in 1977 with a BA in English.  He received a Masters of Divinity degree from Southern Seminary in 1980 and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree while serving as Minister of Youth at First Baptist Church, Greenwood.  His sermons have been published in Baptists Today and Next Sunday and he has authored a book of short stories entitled, "Stories of Falling Toward Grace".  He has also contributed to a book about the late Furman chaplain, Jim Pitts, entitled, "Walk With Me."

Dr. Allen has served as Pastor of Beech Grove Baptist Church in Owenton, KY (1980-1981), as Minister to Youth at First Baptist Church in Greenwood, SC (1981-1994), and as pastor of First Baptist Church in Claxton, Ga (1994-2004), as pastor of First Baptist Church of Commerce, Ga from 2004- 2021 when he retired.  He was serving an interim at the First Baptist Church of Greenwood, SC from February 2023 to July 2023.

Dr. Allen was a passionate Furman University fan, along with a great love of baseball and golf and would tell everyone he met he was able to play at the Augusta National Golf Course.  He was the number one fan of his wife, three children, and grandchildren.  He never let distance, weather or any other obstacle prevent him from being present to cheer them on.

Carlton was the son of the late Carlton Ellis Allen, Sr.and Louise Dodd Oliphant Allen.  He is survived by his wife, Donna Logan Allen of Commerce, son, Carl (Taylor) Allen, two daughters, Elizabeth Allen and Vicki (Adam) Anderson.  He is also survived by three precious grandchildren, Colton Ledbetter, Ellison Anderson and Cooper Allen.

Funeral services for Dr. Allen will be held Monday, July 31,2023 at 11AM from the First Baptist Church of Commerce with the Rev. Lanny Reich officiating.  The family will receive friends from 4-7 on Sunday at Ivie Funeral Home.

Donations in his memory may be made to WGHS Diamond Club 4863 Guthrie Cemetery Rd.  Loganville, Ga.  30052