John Ernest Allen Sr.,

John Ernest Allen Sr., age 66, of Mt. Airy, GA passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at his residence. Mr. Allen was born in Lawrenceville, GA on October 22, 1942 to the late Mr. Bill and Ethel Hicks Allen. He conducted a ministry at Willow Wood Nursing Center, Flowery Branch for the past 19 years. Mr. Allen was the owner/operator of Allen's Auto body shop for 50 years. He specialized in restoring antique cars. Survivors include wife, Elaine Clark Allen, of Mt. Airy, GA; daughter, Carol Roberts, Cornelia, GA; sons, John E. Allen Jr., Franklin, N.C. and Vernon Palmer, Mt. Airy, GA; sister, Linda Cross, Buford, GA; brothers, Donald Allen, Clarkesville, GA, Doug Allen, Gainesville, GA, Lamar Allen, Cleveland, GA, and Wayne Allen, Demorest, GA; and 14 grandchildren. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, GA with Rev. Joel Shadburn and Rev. Jerry Vandiver officiating. Burial will follow in the Return Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, GA on Friday, December 19, 2008 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Willow Wood Nursing Center, Resident Activity Fund, 4595 Cantrell Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. Those wishing to express condolences to the Allen family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, GA