William James “Sweet William” Allen, 86 of Farmville, VA took his final breath on November 28, 2018. He was born on July 1, 1932 to the late Walters J. and Lillian Grubbs Allen. Billy proudly served his

country in the U.S. Army in communications and later was a member of the VFW, Thomas Hardy Graham Post #7059 and American Legion, Jack Garland Post #32. He was active in the American Legion Boys State and was the American Legion Liaison for Girls State hosted at Longwood University. He worked for Longwood University and retired after 28 years. He served as a member of the Farmville Volunteer Fire Department, the Farmville Moose Lodge, and the Farmville Presbyterian Church. Some of his favorite times were laughing with friends over coffee at Bojangles and McDonald’s. He adored his menagerie his pets, especially his favorite dog, Hokie. Billy greeted everyone with a smile, warm handshake, and a witty joke. He had an insatiable sense of humor and loved the sound of laughter. Throughout his life he enjoyed many hobbies: aviation (once flying in an autogyro), fishing, hunting, bowling, bee-keeping, catfish farming and reading. He also shared a common love of gardening and flowers with his soul-mate and wife of more than 57 years, Rochette Webb Allen. Through their mutual love of flowers they opened Rochette’s Florist in 1969, serving our community with beautiful flowers for more than 49 years.

He is survived by his wife, Rochie; 2 sons, Glenn (Cindy) and Sidney both of Farmville; and a granddaughter, Jena A. Brame (Will) of Victoria. He also leaves behind a treasured and close-knit family of brothers and sisters-in law, cousins, nieces and nephews, that he loved dearly.

A graveside funeral service was held on Monday, December 3, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Memorial Gardens. Family received friends on Sunday, December 2, from 5–7 p.m. at Puckett Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad and to the Southside S.P.C.A. Puckett Funeral Home served the family. www.puckettfh.com.