Kenneth T. Allen, affectionately known as “Paw-Paw”, was born to the late Daniel & Shirley Allen on October 1, 1958, in Memphis, Tennessee. Kenneth grew up in the town of Capleville & was the baby of ten children. He always kept the house laughing with mischief & even was caught driving at the early age of 6, where his love of driving trucks started. He always had a fascination for trucks & collected them.

Kenneth attended Capleville Elementary School & was active at an early age at Easthaven Church of Christ, where his Christian roots began. Little did he know, years later, he would meet the love of his life there. He went on to Germantown High School, where he ran track. He then studied Business & Marketing at Shelby State Community College. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Deborah, who he affectionately called, “Denny.” He was introduced to her by her mother, the late Kay Taylor, who was Kenneth’s close friend. They were married on November 27, 1982, & shared 43 years of marriage. They had two children, Tiffany & Austin.

During their marriage their love of ministry & serving God blossomed. Kenneth served as a deacon at Holmes Road Church of Christ & Raleigh Community Church of Christ. Aside from being a servant of God, he had the voice of an angel & was often referred to as the “Sam Cooke” of the church. Kenneth was a member, along with his wife, of an acapella Gospel group called the Joyful Voices. They traveled to many cities spreading joy & ministering. As Kenneth dug deeper into God’s word, he was led to The Life Church, & his supportive, loving wife, Deborah followed. While at The Life Church they became ministry leaders through the Second Mile Leadership Class, Prayer Partners, & enjoyed being greeters. Kenneth’s bright smile & laughter made people feel right at home. Kenenth, along with his wife, co-led the Celebrate Life Connection Group & were members of the Salt & Life Connection Group. Kenneth later co-led the men’s Connection Group, Stronger, which was his pride & joy. He formed a strong bond with the members & mentored them. He often referred to them as his sons.

Kenneth utilized his love of trucks & became CDL certified. He was a Transportation Specialist at Quality Foods & at Hardin’s Sysco, now known as Sysco, where he retired. During his time at Sysco, he received a “Driver of the Year” award & worked there over 20 years. During retirement, he enjoyed road trips with family, family fish fries & cookouts, spending time with church friends & family, but he especially enjoyed his granddaughters & grandpup, Marley. Kenneth was a huge Boston Celtics fan as well.

After battling illness, he peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on June 29, 2026. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Deborah Allen, his daughter, Tiffany Anderson, his son, Austin Allen, & granddaughters, Kennedi & Kayden Anderson. He also leaves his siblings: Daniel Allen Jr., Geraldine Johnson, Beverly Allen, Margie Greer, Karen Murray (Neville), Sherryl Glenn, Rhonda Allen, & Wanda Smith. His late brother Carl Allen Sr. (Velda) proceeded him in death. Kenneth also had a very special relationship & bond with his bonus siblings, whom he loved dearly: Shawn Taylor, Tyga Taylor, Steven Taylor, Patrick Taylor, Cindy Taylor (Diane). Also mourning his loss is his father-in-law, Melvin Taylor, a host of nieces & nephews, & the men of Stronger. Kenneth’s infectious smile, effortless humor, & catfish will truly be missed.