Johnny Murl Allen

Johnny Murl Allen of Ward, Arkansas, passed from this life to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Monday, December 28th, 2015, at Unity Health in Searcy, Arkansas, from health complications. Johnny was born in DeWitt, Arkansas, on August 31st, 1952, to John and Jennie Allen. Johnny spent his childhood in DeWitt and graduated from DeWitt High School in 1970. He is preceded in death by his father John Paxton Allen and his infant (twin) sons John Chance and Harold Chase Allen. Johnny is survived by his mother Jennie Marie Allen of DeWitt, AR, his sisters; Beverly Sivils and husband Lloyd of Monroe, LA and Brenda Bell and husband Jim of Madison, WI; his brother David Allen and wife Kim of Monroe, LA. Johnny also leaves behind to cherish his memory five daughters; Jennifer Allen Elias and husband Jason, Amy Allen Hernandez and husband Carlos, Johnna Allen Nelson and husband Ryan, Jan Allen Yingling and husband Paul, and baby sister Jill Allen. Still here to carry on his legacy and honor their Pop, Johnny is survived by seven beautiful grandchildren: Hannah and Elizabeth Elias, Mary Madelyn and Claudia Sitton, Hudson Hernandez, Cooper Nelson, and Titon Allen. For those who had the pleasure of knowing Johnny, it was evident by his character that he embraced life and was a true adventure seeker. He was one of the last great "cowboys" and Johnny valued and never took for granted time with those he loved. His grand adventures took him all over North America whether it be by semi-truck, by motorcycle, or on horseback. Johnny had many aliases through the years, Smilin' Jack, U.J., Smokin' 4-BAR-J, and Jump'in Johnny...but his favorite title among all was the esteemed honor he received when his young grandchildren lovingly named him "Pop." Johnny encouraged others to always believe that good conquers evil and to protect God and Country and all things sacred. He made us believe that the old days of the Wild West are still alive and well and that cowboy rules still apply. His old southern ways and sincere patriotism just never went out of style. And when Johnny climbed on his motorcycle and stared out at God's creation through his shiny steel handlebars, he truly felt the existence of heaven here on earth. Johnny's passion and love for life, family, friends, and BIG adventures will be treasured in our hearts forever...and the smile under the curled mustache of "Smilin' Jack" will never be forgotten. A Visitation will be held at Valley Baptist Church in Searcy, AR, on Saturday, January 2nd, at 9:00 am with the Memorial Service following at 10:00 am. A Graveside Service will be held on the same day at Cedar Crest Memorial Gardens in DeWitt, AR, at 3:00 pm with Visitation at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 3:45 pm. If loved ones wish to donate to a memorial in honor of Johnny Allen, the family respectfully requests the Patriot Guard Riders. This is an organization that Johnny participated in by honoring fallen veterans and encouraging their families in time of grief. Johnny had a heart for this All-American mission and rode many miles on his motorcycle commemorating those who have served this great country. Patriot Guard Riders, Inc. C/O Tatum & Associates, Inc. 6641 E. 85th St. North Owasso, OK 74055.

Johnny Murl Allen

December 28, 2015