Charles “Chuck” L. Allen, 71, of Virginia, Minn. passed away Friday, Aug. 27, 2010 at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay after a lengthy illness.
He was born Aug. 25, 1939 in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. After graduating from high school, Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1957 to 1961 with an honorable discharge.
Chuck married Ruth Grayson on Aug. 21, 1990 in Las Vegas, where they were both employed in the gaming industry, and in 1991 moved to Mississippi where they helped to open casinos in Biloxi and Greenville, Miss.
Chuck enjoyed golfing with his wife and friends, and watching sports. His favorite teams were the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers, which was not too popular on the Range. He enjoyed traveling and he loved socializing. He had a great smile and enjoyed life.
In 1996, Chuck became ill and retired. That same year, Chuck and Ruth moved for a short while to Ranier, Minn. and then returned to Las Vegas in 1997. In 2004, they moved to Virginia, Minn. to be close to their children and grandchildren. Chuck was admitted into the Silver Bay, Minn. Veteran’s home in May 2010 where he made many friends, “supervised” the nursing staff, and especially enjoyed having coffee after breakfast with his favorite social worker. Everyone made him feel special.
Chuck is survived by his wife Ruth, his stepchildren Pamela (Jason) Gellerstedt and Larry (Shawnda) Grayson, Jr. of Virginia, his brother James (Stephanie) Allen of California, his sister Judy (Donald) Albritton of Florida, his foster mother Corris Sellers of Arizona, sons Chris and Jeff of Nevada, several nieces and nephews and grandchildren, his best friend George Adams of Las Vegas, and his little adopted dogs, Annie and Mister.
Chuck will be sadly missed.
A private memorial service was held Monday, Aug. 30, 2010, in Mountain Iron.
