Roland Allen

In loving memory of Roland Allen, who gracefully returned to his Heavenly Father on June 4, 2024. Roland's journey began on March 16, 1951, in Brunswick County, North Carolina.

Roland was educated in the Halifax County School System in North Carolina.  In elementary school, his mother used to dress him and Calvin alike so everyone would know they were brothers and they could look out for each other.

He was preceded in death by his mother Dollie Mae Freeman; and his devoted stepfather, John Jacob Freeman; his father, James Ulysses Allen, Sr.; his wife, Katherine Allen; his brothers, James Ulysses (Junior) Allen, Jr., and Frederick Allen, and nephew, Ulysses Lawrence Hatcher.

He and his family relocated to Richmond, Virginia in the 60’s where he worked at MCV Hospital, and later at Tysons Foods.

Roland and his brother Melvin later were immaculate caretakers for his mother, and stepfather.

Roland always dressed to the T!  He loved his leisure suits, dress suits, and his hats to complete his suave look.  You couldn’t tell him a thing!

Singing was one of his passions.  He sang with the most soulful sound that was noticed and felt every time he opened his mouth. 

Roland leaves behind a legacy of love and kinship, survived by his siblings, Willie Louis Allen, Josephine Avent, Dorothy Gentry, Melvin Allen, and Calvin Allen, Sr. (Edna). His memory is cherished by a multitude of nieces and nephews, which are Kathy Avent, Willie Hatcher, Chyffon Hatcher, David Anderson, Angela Henley (Aran), Michael Avent (Krystal), Frederick Lamont Avent (Marnieesha), Chandelle Allen, Wilhemina Robinson (Donnie), Mary Hatcher, Yolanda Avent-Roane (Marvin), Terri Hatcher, Willie Gentry, Jr., Calvin Allen, Jr. (Elisa), and a host of other relatives and friends, each carrying a piece of his warmth and spirit forward.

Though Roland may have bid farewell to this earthly realm, his spirit continues to resonate in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to those who mourn his passing.

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA where funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2024 

Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

The family is receiving services of comfort from Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA.