WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Reuben Arthur Allen Jr., 77, passed away Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at home with his family.
Reuben was born July 28, 1941, in Emporia, Virginia, to Reuben Arthur and Hazel Mitchell Allen. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronald Mitchell Allen.
Reuben attended Southeastern University in Washington, D.C., and University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. His career started with Washington Gas Light company in computers, and then with Marriott Corporation in accounting. He and his family moved to Richmond, Virginia, in 1968 for him to become the manager of the Legislative Information System team that installed the first computer system for the Virginia General Assembly. He was part of the governor’s cabinet. In 1970, he became president of Data Systems Corporation, which provided computer services to savings and loans in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Then in 1979, he started Allen Consulting, which was a general consulting firm later specializing in the medical field. He moved his company to Wilmington in 1989.
Reuben was an active member of Little Chapel on the Boardwalk, where he served as an elder and Stephen minister. He was a member of Investors Roundtable and served on the board of the Kenan Chapel. He was chairman of the music committee there for several years.
In his early years, he enjoyed running, tennis and bicycling. Reuben and Janice traveled often on bike trips and river cruises. He enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, but Reuben’s greatest pleasure was being with his family.
Reuben is survived by his wife, Janice Roach Allen; son, Reuben Arthur Allen III, and his wife, Neesha; daughter, Tammala Allen Bulger, and her husband, Ross; and two grandchildren, Bryce Anna Allen and Reuben Hunt Allen.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Little Chapel on the Boardwalk, 2 West Fayetteville St., Wrightsville Beach. The family will receive friends at a reception in the fellowship hall following the service.
In lieu of flowers, his request was that a contribution be made to Little Chapel on the Boardwalk, Scholarship Fund.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
