Roy Garland Allen, Jr., 78, of Mocksville, died Thursday, March 19, 2026.

He was born October 18, 1947, in Rowan County, to the late Roy Garland Allen, Sr. and Margie Lucille Williams Allen.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepson, Darrell Wood; and brother-in-law, Jackie Lagle.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda Joyce McKee Allen; three children, Jeff Allen (Tara), Keith Allen (Michelle), and Bryan Bolton (Catherine); two siblings, Gary Allen (Pat), and Penny Lagle; three grandchildren, Zoë, Dean, and Noah; his little dog, Ladybug; and several nieces and nephews. Additional close friends and family, both preceded and surviving, are too numerous to name.

Garland (aka Watusi, Dad, Pop, PawPaw) was extraordinary in every way. If you knew him, you loved him, and he loved you. His childhood home was in Mocksville, but he identified as 100% Cooleemite. He loved Jesus Christ, playing baseball, fishing, dancing, and feeling music. He was Past Master at Advance Masonic Lodge and a proud Vietnam Veteran. He never sat still, rather was always working hard or playing hard. A full life (or several it seems like) was lived constantly making sure everyone around him was happy. He surprised countless unsmiling strangers, after making them laugh, that "Jesus loves to see you smile." He always ended every visit or even just a few moments together with a big hug and "I love you."

The family invites friends to visit with them from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, March 23, at Lambert Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, at Hardison Methodist Church, with Rev. Wes Sink officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be considered Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675; or Hardison Methodist Church, 1630 Jericho Church Rd., Mocksville, NC 27028.

Online condolences www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com