Donnie Wayne Allen, 78, of Roanoke Rapids passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at ECU Health North Hospital.

Donnie was born in Halifax County on March 21, 1948, to the late Carl Allen and Alice Neal Allen. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Betty Lou Council and Shirley Medlin and his brother, Charles “Gus” Allen.

Donnie was a huge Duke fan, loved car racing, writing poems, being in the company of friends and family. Donnie never met a stranger; he retired from the Department of transportation and drove a bus for Nooney Bus Lines in the 80’s and 90’s.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Connie Allen; his children, Brandon Allen (Victoria) and Lisa Bennett (Jay); his grandson, Daniel Bennett; his brother, Hubert Allen (Becky); his sister, Patsy Allen; several beloved nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; his special buddies, Rodney and Mattie Tanner, Alton Cain, Larry and Esther Glasgow and many other special friends.

A celebration of Donnie’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 3, 2026, in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Dr. Dennis W. Gregory, Sr. officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.