Eugene Allen Succumbs

Eugene Allen, the first African-American ever elected to the Hazlehurst City Council, died Feb. 4 at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. He was 72.
Allen was elected in the 1985 City of Hazlehurst election, a year after the city’s wards were redistricted to create a majority black Ward 1. He defeated Henry Josey 157-76 in a historic election for the city.
Allen served as Ward 1 City Commissioner 16 years, from 1986-2001 when he chose not to seek reelection.
Services were held Feb. 9 at Disciples of Christ Church with Apostle Cortez Eady officiating.
Allen, a graduate of Hazlehurst High School, was senior deacon at Disciples of Christ Church, receiving Christian Ministry license to preach in 2017. He was employed at American Steel Doors, Glennville Lingerie Hazlehurst Division, Bank of Hazlehurst, City of Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County Schools. Mr. Allen was a member of Hazlehurst Men Civic and Social Club and loved playing checkers.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Jewell Allen; son Zaret (Sarah) Allen of Hazlehurst; daughter Destiny (Jeffery) Allen of Hazlehurst.
For more information, see the obituary page.