Richard Allen Obituary

Richard Wayne "Happy" Allen, 79 of the Woodway Community, Pennington Gap, VA, departed this life on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Happy was born September 15, 1945, in Benedict, VA, to the late Ed and Clara (Halliott) Allen.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Brenda (Bishop), cherished son-in-law, Jeff Rasnic, as well as 10 siblings.

Left to cherish his memory are daughter, Angie Rasnic, son Chad Allen (Jennifer), and grandson Brayden; brother Jerry (Sue) and brother-in-law Jack Harber.

Happy was a graduate of Pennington High School. He loved the game of football. He played nose guard and he loved nothing better at that time than knocking people off their feet. Anyone who played against him wondered how such a brute of a young man could have the nickname "Happy." He coached little league football for eight years. He loved coaching and had so many wonderful memories of everyone who was lucky enough to call him coach.

Happy was a coal miner by trade until becoming disabled from a mining accident. After he became disabled Happy devoted his life to his family.

In addition to being a loving husband, father and grandfather, Happy was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. Happy proudly served two tours honorably in the United States Navy Seabees. One of Happy's greatest joys was reconnecting with his MCB-133 brothers.

The family would like to thank the Norton Office VA Home-Based Program. Thank you Angie, Sheila, Rebecca, Kelly and Judy. We would also like to thank all the staff of Holston Rehab 100 wing.

The family would like to thank niece Sheila Tarr; Greg and Brenda (niece) Kuhn; Lannie and Freda Gilbert for always being there to help.

The family would like to give a special thanks to brother-in-law Carl "Punk" Bishop. Thank you for always stopping by to brighten his day. He loved sitting and talking about the good old days with you.

Thanks to all the family, friends, neighbors and classmates that called or stopped by. Happy always loved seeing and talking to all of you.

The family would also like to thank and honor Happy's MCB-133 brothers. Your friendship and love meant more to him than you will ever know. Thank you Ed Hammer, Don Weir, Randy Jock, Vaughn "Warthog" Aldrich, Bill Brown, David Mackin, Donald O'Kelley, Bill Stinglin And R.L. Hogfeldt.

The family will receive friends from 5:00PM to 7:00PM on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Pennington Gap Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow with Greg Kuhn officiating.

A committal service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Lee Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:30AM to go in procession.

Richard Wayne "Happy" Allen and his family are in the care of Pennington Gap Funeral Home.