Obituary of Joseph Mercer Allen

Joseph Mercer Allen, aka Joe or Papa Joe, 83 years young, of Jacksonville, Fl, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024 in Community Hospice, Warner Center. Joe was born in Jacksonville, Fl to Eddie Damon Allen and Rennie Marie Collins on August, 28, 1941. He graduated from Andrew Jackson Senior High in 1959. Joe was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1965. After completing his Sheet Metal apprenticeship, he became a Journeyman and member of Local 435. Joe received his 50-year membership pin from Sheet Metal Union Local 435 in 2022. Joe is survived by his children, Elizabeth Marie Rudd (Ken), Jacksonville; Rose-Ann Allen Pagonis (Mark), Jacksonville; John Damon Allen (Kara), Carrollton, VA; Sister, Cordelia "Corkie" Allen Norman (Ronnie); Brother Billy Benjamin Allen (JoAnn); Gary Hal Perl (Amy). Stepchildren - Rhonda Sue Lilly; Nancy Lilly McCall (Roger); Frances Kay Beach (Tom). Grandchildren: Shannon Lilly Green (John); April Michele Stewart (James); Eli Aston Allen; Olivia Hope Allen; Zoey Frances-May Allen; numerous nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, x-wife Elizabeth Ann May; his wife Hazel Inez Cox (Lilly) Allen, Brother Eddie David Allen (Ginny); Stepchildren – John William Lilly, Jr.; Robert Lee Lilly; Keith Bernard Lilly, and Grandchild Ashley Ann McCall. A celebration of Joe’s life is scheduled for November 9, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at SMART Local 435, 8374 Devoe St., Jacksonville, Fl 32220. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Voluntary Death Benefit Fund for SMART Local 435. For more information please call 904-398-1838. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Community Hospice Palliative Care for the love and care shown to Dad, as well as Local 435 for being a large formative part of our lives