Michael Anthony Allen Sr. was born on November 2, 1958, in Alexander City, Alabama to the late Douglas Allen and Dorothy Watkins.

Michael was affectionately loved by all who knew him, and many had favorite names for Michael. He was known by many as Mike. When he was growing up, his late grandmother named him Pat. One of Mike’s best friends, Robert Adams (Rob) gave him the name Smooth. And yes Mike was one smooth, very laid back man. Another good friend and co-worker Shirley Williams would call him Mikey-Ikie. Shirley would call and check on Mike up to his last days.

Mike graduated from Glenville High School in 1976. Mike went on to work as a welder after high school until he was injured in 1977. In 1978 Mike went to work at Cleveland Municipal School System as a school bus driver for 32 years. Until his illness in 2010 where he had to retire early. Mike was a dedicated worker and would get up at 3 am daily to pre-trip the buses. Mike would never call off and would often give his PTO hours to workers that were in need.

Mike loved spending time with family and friends. Michael would spend hours reading the newspaper sitting on the floor or on the bus during his breaks. Mike would play basketball, and race with the neighborhood children – and he would win! Mike loved watching all sports and he was a true Browns fan.

Mike cherished his only daughter and was very protective of her. They had a special bond and shared many fond memories.

Mike had a big heart and an even bigger smile!

Mike is and will always be loved and missed dearly by so many, especially his two junior nurses Tea’Asia and Tajah Wiley. They spent so much time with their Papa and would love when papa would cook them bacon and eggs and grilled cheese sandwiches. They would say my papa is the “best cook ever!”

They would read him bible verses and help take care of him. They would fuss at him when he would not take his medications and tell him how important it is for him to be here.

On January 1, 2025, at the age of 66, Michael answered God’s call to come home. God knew that Michael could not bear the burden of this world any longer. God delivered Michael from all the worrying, sickness, and troubles here on earth. Michael fought a good fight; He won the race. There are no more tears of sorrow upon his face. Michael leaves behind a great legacy that we will one day meet him again.

His Legacy

Michael’s memory is lovingly honored by his dedicated wife of 24 years, Roberta Allen, who faithfully took care of him until his death.

His four children – Twins Mitchell Allen, Michael Allen Jr. (Breann), Terrence Adams, Only daughter Natasha Wiley (Rayshawn).

Michael was passionate protector of his grandchildren; Briana, Alysia, Shianne, Micah, Aubre, Amiyahs, Ahmarah, Adisa, Tea’Asia, Tajah. One great grandchild, Nasir.

His one and only brother Douglas Allen (Renee), known as Lloyd, would come and visit every week and he would bring Mike his essentials and lunch – he would feed him. Lloyd would sit for hours listening to sports and reminiscing about the past.

Michael shared a special bond with his sister in love Bernadette Edwards, who would sit with Mike while Roberta work making sure his needs were met.

Mike is also survived by his four brothers in love: Robert (Connie), Timothy, Ronald (Loraine), Antoine (Sam), who came by weekly if not daily to check on him and make sure he did not need anything.

His Aunt Emma from Alexander City Alabama. Emma would call every week and would only talk for a minute. She only wanted to hear Mike’s voice, then she would say, “I love you both, talk to you soon.”

Michael adored his three nephews; Douglas Allen, Derrick Allen (Peaches) Derrick shares the same birthday as Michael. Ronnell Allen which Mike treated as his own children.

Awaiting His Arrival At Heaven’s Gate

His parents: Douglas Allen, Dorothy Watkins, Stepfather: Charles Watkins His only sister: Jacqueline (Jackie) Allen; Grandmother Willie Pearl; Best Friends Robert Adams and Wallace Jacobs.

Mike was a beacon of love and light, and touched the lives of so many. Michael will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His departure leaves a void that can never be filled.