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Bucky Allen
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Bucky Allen, age 85, died peacefully on March 4, 2021 in Winston-Salem, NC. He had been in failing health over the last few months, but continued to keep his fighting spirit and charming wit throughout this difficult period. Bucky was born in Durham, NC on December 23, 1935 to Burwell Algernon Allen, Sr. and Pauline Kitchin Allen. He lived the last almost 50 years of his life in Winston-Salem. Bucky was a phenomenal athlete and excelled in all sports growing up, but basketball was his passion. After attending Durham Academy and then Stanton Military Academy, he was a highly regarded basketball prospect and in 1955 signed to play basketball at Duke University. Bucky wore #40 and had a standout collegiate career at Duke – the highlight being making the winning basket versus Kentucky in 1956 to lift the Blue Devils to victory. He was a 3-time letterman also, achieving All-ACC status in the 1957-58 season, and still holds a Duke basketball record of most free throws made in a game at 20. He was drafted to the NBA in 1958 by the Philadelphia Warriors in the 6th round but chose to begin his career at Wachovia Bank, where he worked until retirement. He was a lifelong diehard Duke fan – a KA and a member of the Iron Dukes for over 50 years. He attended many football and basketball games and would take so much pride when Duke won any game, but especially against UNC! One of Bucky's passions was going out for a great meal with friends. He was a long-time member of Forsyth Country Club, where he was a frequent diner and hosted friends and family there on many occasions. Bucky was also a family historian; he was well versed on the family tree and all family members; he very much enjoyed talking about the rich history of his family. Bucky is survived by his 2 daughters, Louise and Nancy, and 2 grandsons, Leighton and Weldon. He was so proud of his grandsons and their athletic accomplishments. Bucky lived out his last 6 years at Homestead Hills and made many great friends there.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to charities that Bucky gave often to:
guidedog.org
k9sforwarriors.org
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George Hayworth
Bucky was a good person and very loyal to Wachovia. After growing up in Durham, he graduated from Duke University, played basketball, held the ACC record for many years for consecutive free throws. Told me that he was a pretty good defensive player until he had to guard Jerry West, the West Virginia University All American, when he held West to only 40 points.
Bob Southerland
Will never forget the trip Bucky, Ron Nease, Andy Warren of Greenville and I made to Burroughs-Welcome in Yonkers, NY on Super Bowl IV( Kansas City Chiefs vs. Minnesota Vilkings) Sunday Jan. 11, 1970. The 4 of us met with all the employees of BW( on a snowy Monday morning) who were to move with corporate to RTP. We were successful in getting the corporate relationship with BW for Wachovia....................2 fun nights in Manhatten.