Joe Allen 88, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Joe was born in Asheville, North Carolina and was one of seven children. His family moved to Newport News, Virginia in 1940, where his father found work at the shipyard. Joe was a charter member of Huntington Mennonite Church, and was a regular attendee until his illness progressed.

Beloved by their patrons, Joe and Ruth were the co-owners of Pop's Drive-In in Grafton, Virginia for 46 years. Their son Randy and his family worked beside them for many years, taking over the business after Joe and Ruth retired. Several of their grandchildren also worked at the restaurant throughout that time.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Golden D. and Mamie Lee Allen, his twin brother Jack, and three older brothers, Dewy Allen, Jr., William B. Allen, and James Allen. Surviving are his brother John H. Allen (Nancy) of Conroe, Texas and his sister Vivian Canada of Seaford, Virginia, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his wife of 69 years, Ruth S. Allen; four sons, Dennis (Esther), Kevin (Cheryl), Randy (Susan) and Chris (Nichole). Also six grandchildren, Joseph Allen, Zachary Allen (Jessica), Hayley Allen Soles (Tyler), Elliot Allen, Alex Allen (Brittany) and Nathan Allen; and four great grandchildren, Andrew Allen, Isabelle Allen, Benjamin Allen, and Natalie Soles.

Joe was an effortlessly kind, generous and a gentle person. He was a devout servant of the Lord and a loving husband and father. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held at the Warwick River Mennonite Church Cemetery at 250 Lucas Creek Road, Newport News, Virginia on Tuesday, September 23 at 11:00 AM. The service is open to all family and friends and will be immediately followed by visitation with the family and a luncheon at Huntington Mennonite Church, 785 Harpersville Road, Newport News, Virginia. Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.