[In Memoriam] Elroy Paul Allen, 48

The following obituary originally was published by American Cremation & Funeral Service:

Elroy Paul Allen passed away on May 16 in Durham. He was 48.

Allen was born on Aug. 7, 1975, on the island of Saint Vincent and grew up in West End, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. He was the first child of Alvena Allen, née Pompey, and the late Roy Allen.

He was a loving husband to Colette Allen, née Blair. Their journey began as high school sweethearts, and they married on July 1, 2002. They have two sons, Raymond and Ian. Allen was deeply committed to raising his children in the way of the Lord, ensuring his legacy of faith continued.

Allen’s professional journey began at Barclays Bank & Trust B.V.I. Limited, where he served as a corporate officer and compliance officer from July 1993 to July 2000. He then moved to Equity Trust, working as a compliance officer from October 2000 to July 2002. In the summer of 2002, Allen relocated with his wife to Durham. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in business administration from North Carolina Central University in May 2006. His professional journey continued at North Carolina State Employees’ Credit Union, where he served as a loan officer and member services financial officer.

Allen’s love for the Lord and his commitment to the church was evident through his active participation. He served as Adventurer Club director from 2018 to 2020 and Pathfinder Club director in 2024. His leadership and dedication were rooted in his own youth experiences as an active member of the Carrot Bay Pathfinder Club and as a Master Guide. In addition to his corporate roles, Allen was a successful entrepreneur. He was the owner and president of ECA Sportswear LLC, where his passion for sports and business seamlessly merged. His enthusiasm for sports was highlighted by his avid support for the University of Connecticut basketball team.

He was a man who genuinely cared for others and specialized in the lost art of communicating in person. He preferred personal phone calls over text messages, valuing real connections in an increasingly digital world. His engaging and well-informed demeanor made him a trusted voice of reason in both personal and professional circles. He enjoyed discussions on world events, politics, and sports. He loved the outdoors and was a skilled fisherman.

He is survived by his wife, Colette Allen; children, Raymond and Ian; mother, Alvena Allen; siblings, Ron Allen and Junelle Victor; nephew, Royce; niece, Jayce; special aunt, June Smith-Bramble; in-laws, other relatives and many friends. Allen’s life speaks for itself; his actions, decisions, and the love he shared with others are his true legacy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation or Donate Life NC.

Planned Service:

Memorial and Repast
Raleigh SDA Church Campus
4805 Dillard Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606
May 25, 2024, 5 p.m.