MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Murfreesboro lost a community leaders as William Polk “Bill” Allen Jr., a man whose life spanned more than a century of history, service, faith, and community involvement, passed away Friday (10/31/2026) morning at the age of 101. For many residents, this Murfreesboro native was synonymous with public service. He played a key role in bringing golf to the masses in Murfreesboro, helping establish Old Fort Golf Course in 1985 as the city's first public golf course. He went on to serve as chairman of the city’s Golf Commission for three decades and dedicated another 20 years to the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Board. His commitment helped shape recreational opportunities enjoyed by generations of local families.

A Lifetime of Service to a Growing Community

Allen also spent 32 years with the Murfreesboro Electric Department during a period of tremendous growth. In his role, he oversaw the purchasing of utility poles, power lines, and other equipment vital to expanding electrical service across the growing city.

Beyond his professional career, Allen was a charter member of the Exchange Club, where he developed lifelong friendships while supporting community service initiatives. He coached Babe Ruth League baseball, encouraged young athletes, and remained a loyal supporter of Middle Tennessee State University athletics throughout his life.

One of Murfreesboro's Last D-Day Survivors

Perhaps the most remarkable chapter of Allen's story began during World War II. Born on May 18, 1925, he turned 18 just as the world was engulfed in conflict. After graduating from Murfreesboro's old Central High School, he joined the United States Navy and was assigned to LST-523.

Allen became one of the dwindling number of Americans who survived the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Serving as a Navy medic in June 1944, he witnessed firsthand the horrors of war. While thousands of Allied troops lost their lives during the invasion, Allen was tasked as a teenager with the heartbreaking responsibility of cleaning and identifying fallen soldiers for their journey home.

Just days after D-Day, tragedy struck when LST-523 hit a German mine while attempting to land at Omaha Beach. Of the 145 people aboard, only 28 survived.

Yet Allen consistently rejected the label of hero.

"The men who died there were the real heroes," he often told those who thanked him for his service. He humbly described himself simply as a survivor.

Faith, Family, and Community

The experiences of war profoundly shaped Allen's life. Grateful for what he viewed as God's protection, he returned home with a deepened Christian faith and a renewed sense of purpose. For many years he served as a deacon and usher at First Baptist Church on East Main Street.

His adventures and recognition continued well into his later years. At age 89, Allen traveled beneath the English Channel in a three-man submarine to visit the wreckage of LST-523 as part of a PBS and BBC documentary marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

He later served as grand marshal of the Murfreesboro Christmas Parade, led Veterans Day events, threw out a ceremonial first pitch at a Nashville Sounds game during the 80th anniversary of D-Day, was honored at the Grand Ole Opry, and met with numerous elected officials through the years. His extraordinary story was also chronicled in Ben Cunningham's 2021 book Death Duty.

Remembering a Life Well Lived

Allen's connection to Woodfin Funeral Chapel stretched back decades. As a young man, he worked and lived there under the guidance of John B. Woodfin. He even married his wife, Idalee, in the chapel in 1955. Following retirement, he returned to assist the funeral home, once helping with a service on his 91st birthday.

Those who knew Bill Allen often said his priorities never changed: God, family, and community.

For Murfreesboro, Bill Allen leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves a legacy of humility, service, faith, and devotion to a hometown he helped shape for more than a century.

Family visitation will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until noon at Woodfin Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will follow at noon, with burial afterward at Evergreen Cemetery. CLICK HERE for the complete obituary.