Gary Joe Allen, 67, of Norris City, IL, passed away at 5:40 a.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022, at Linda White Hospice House in Evansville, IN. Gary was born on May 25, 1954, in Carmi, IL, the son of Willard and Shirley Ann (Melvin) Allen Jr. Until his passing, Gary was the Manager of Southern Illinois Lumber Company in Norris City. He began his career there in 1978, working first in the yard, and moved quickly to manager in 1982. For the last forty-three years Gary warmed hearts with his kind smile, and bodies with Southern Illinois Lumber sweatshirts. He often gave good-natured pestering to all his customers and friends and was known to spoil children of all ages with candy and other sweet treats. Gary was indeed a social butterfly and never met a stranger; he used his kind words and quick wit to light up the lives of those he encountered. Gary was a longtime member of Springerton Christian Church, he was also a member of The Norris City Lions Club, Norris City Athletic Association, Vi