Dennis Eugene Allen, Jr.

Dennis "Denny" Eugene Allen Jr. 69, died Monday, April 22, of cardiac arrest.

Denny was a lifelong resident of Citrus County, born to Gene and Dot Allen on June 9, 1954. He attended Crystal River High School where he earned five varsity letters his senior year; starring at quarterback for the football team and as the one-seed for the golf team. Exceptional play in the latter earned him a golf scholarship to Florida State University.

His time at FSU instilled in Denny a lifelong love for the Seminoles. FSU gave him opportunity, something he passed down to the rest of his family shaping the next two generations. It was best expressed every Saturday in the Fall where in person or through group text, he shared his love for and thoughts on the team.

Denny loved golf, playing professionally through the '70s. He was a legend in Central Florida for his length off the tee and short game prowess. After regaining his amateur status he won countless tournaments, including the St Pat's Invitational, was low amateur in Florida Amateur, Rye Grass, Firecracker, and his favorite the Camp.

Denny loved his family most. A kind, patient, and fun husband and father, he led trips to Disney, North Carolina, Colorado, and New England. But he loved nothing more than little trips- fishing on Salt River with his wife of 48 years, Sherry, or putting practice with his boys at Twisted Oaks and Skyview.

Denny worked for 25 years at Florida Power/Progress Energy before he, like many men in the county, were laid off. He spent the next 20 years traveling the United States working for three to 18 months in regions he had never visited. Once his children graduated High School, Sherry accompanied him, and they were a team in each new adventure.

DA, as everyone called him, was a content man, proud of his family and the life he helped make. Above all though, he found his joy in Jesus and shared it with his family and anyone he came across during his work travels. DA gave his life to Christ at 34 years old and loved his church, Seven Rivers Presbyterian, where he was a longtime member.

Hope sprung eternal for DA. And now, so does his soul. He is survived by his wife, Sherry, and children, Jason (Amanda), Shawn (Mary-Margaret), Carolyn Hardy (Garrison), and Andie Golliher; his siblings, Charlie, Christie Waldrop (Steve), and Margie Davis (Jeff); and six grandchildren, Adeline, Elsie, Cecelia, Langston, Andrew, and Samantha. He was preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter, Anna.

A memorial service will be held at his church, Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Seven Rivers Christian School.

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