Ricky Dale Allen

Ricky Dale Allen, 36, of Taylorsville, found victory in the arms of Jesus; passing peacefully at home on March 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 3, 1987 in Catawba County to Richard Allen and Annette Evans Whitmire. Ricky was unwavering in his faith, loving and honoring God through every trial he faced. He was a devoted husband. He loved his family immensely and was the best father to his beautiful girls. He enjoyed being outside and took great pride in everything he did. He lived life serving others. He was faithful, kind, humble, loyal, strong and courageous. He had a heart of pure gold. No matter what he was facing, he always carried the warmest, grandest smile. His smile was contagious and lit up every surface of the room he was in. Ricky was dedicated to his career as a Fire Engineer at Conover Fire Department. His career began as a junior firefighter at 17 years old in 2004. He proudly served his community for 19 years and has also served with Taylorsville Fire Department over the last 2 years. Ricky worked countless hours to obtain many certifications. These included North Carolina Certifications in Firefighter I & II, EMT, Technical Rescue; along with specialties in Water, Structural Collapse, Trench and Hazardous Materials. Ricky was well loved and respected by his peers and friends in the fire service. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Evans Sr.; grandmother, Carolyn Grindstaff; and uncle, Robert Evans, Jr. Those left to cherish his memory are; Wife of 11 years: Nicole Miner Allen of the home Daughters: Sophia Grace Allen (8 years old) Elizabeth Claire Allen (20 months old) Father: Richard Allen of Wilmington Mother and Step-Father: Annette and Chuck Whitmire of Newton Sisters: Billie Barringer and husband Justin of Conover Kelsey Whitmire of Newton Grandmother: Shirley Evans Nephews: Ashton, Adam, Braxton, Mason, and Grant Nieces: Ryleigh, Kinsleigh, and Lillian Ricky was loved and cherished by his brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, cousins, and other extended family and friends A service to celebrate Ricky's life will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Newton. Pastor Michael Strickland will officiate. Burial will follow at Conover City Cemetery. Those serving as pallbearers are Justin Barringer, Cody Sipe, Chuck Whitmire, David Miner, Shawn Miner, Clint Trivette, Ashton Smith, and Adam McCall. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 Condolences may be sent to the Allen family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com The Allen family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, 828-465-2111 —————- It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Conover Fire Engineer, Ricky Allen. Ricky was a dedicated public servant who began serving the City of Conover at age 17 as a Jr. Firefighter. In 2006, Ricky joined our Public Works Department in the Grounds Division, moving to the Water Department in 2007, where he served until 2012, when he became a full-time engineer for Conover Fire. There was no doubt that Ricky's calling was to be a firefighter, and a firefighter he was. For those who had the privilege of knowing Ricky, know that he wholeheartedly dedicated himself to his career, his faith, and his family. We ask that you keep Ricky's wife, daughters, and entire family in your prayers, as well as the members of Conover Fire, who lost a brother, a teammate, and a friend. Be it known to all who read this, he did his job well. City of Conover - Government