JAMES LAMAR “COACH” ALLEN
James Lamar “Coach” Allen, 84, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his residence under the care of Comfort Care Hospice.
Mr. Allen was born on May 30, 1941 in Walthourville, to the late Eulie Lee Allen and the late Blanche Boyd Allen Stewart. He came to Appling County in 1968 as a football coach and began a lifelong relationship with the Appling County Pirates, one that he cherished and faithfully supported throughout the years. In addition to football, he coached tennis and track and field. He served as assistant principal and then principal of Appling County Junior High and Middle School, a position he held until his retirement in 2000.
Mr. Allen was honored as Grand Marshal of the Homecoming Parade on two occasions and received several awards, including Boss of the Year and Outstanding Young Religious Leader from the Jaycees. He was named Coach of the Year for Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis in 1984 and received the Distinguished Volunteer Leadership Award from the March of Dimes.
Mr. Allen was a member of Baxley First Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher. He was involved in numerous community organizations, including the Gideon’s and its Jail Ministry, Lions Club, Retired Teachers Association, Christmas in Action, United Way of Appling Co., and the Touchdown Club. He also served as President of the Lions Club.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Charlene W. Allen of Baxley; daughter, Michelle L. Allen of Baxley; and a sister, Barbara A. Johnson of Baxley.
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Baxley First Church with the Rev. Adam Thomas, Rev. Lamar Lee, Rev. David Deen and Rev. Ronnie Rentz officiating. Interment followed in Shiloh Cemetery in Lumber City, Georgia.
Active pallbearers were Kelvin Skinner, Larry Cooper, Mike Carter, Eddie Miles, Bill Tharpe and Gene Mann.
Musical selections were rendered by Chelsei Norris, Rev. Lamar Lee and Javan Anderson.
Remembrances may be made to Baxley First Church, The Gideons, 24/7 House, or the Lions Club.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
