Marshall Bonner Allen Jr., M.D.
Augusta, GA - Marshall was born on October 19, 1927 in Long Beach, Mississippi to Marie and Marshall B. Allen, Sr. He passed away peacefully on November 13, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia.
He did his undergraduate work at University of Mississippi. During this time he joined the United States army and served as a medic in Korea. This experience is what encouraged Dr. Allen’s passion for the art of medicine.
He attended medical school at University of Mississippi and finished his medical degree at Harvard University. He remained a lifelong active and proud alumnus of Harvard University, participating for many years in the interview process for students applying to Harvard University.
He did his internship and residency in Neurosurgery at University of Mississippi; it was during his training that he met his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Herron. In 1965 Dr. Allen moved his family to Augusta to become the chief of neurosurgery at the Medical College of Georgia. He remained the chief of neurosurgery until his retirement in 1994. He was responsible for the training of many residents and made their education and training his life’s work.
During his career he took great pride in sharing his vast knowledge and love of neurosurgery. He presented many lectures and seminars nationally and internationally and always enjoyed the experience of learning from each visit, medically and culturally.
Additionally, Dr. Allen published many textbooks and numerous articles in his areas of expertise. Dr. Allen also found time to write two fiction novels based on one of his patients. He belonged to numerous medical societies; among these were The American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Society of University Neurosurgeons serving as president in 1992, and Georgia Neurosurgical Society serving as president in 1969. He was highly regarded in the academic world of neurosurgery. He was responsible for the training of many residents who are now in practice throughout the United States.
He was an active member of St. John’s United Methodist Church since moving to Augusta in 1965. He was involved in the community with the Evening Optimist Club and received the “Optimist Member of the Year” in 1980 and served as president in 1988. He was dedicated to the mission and purpose of the Berry Children’s Center serving on their board and presiding as president. He was also a member of the Augusta Country Club
He is survived by his wife, Dotty; daughter: Lori Athey (Mark) of Fort Worth, Texas; grandsons: Robert Athey of Waco Texas and Jeffrey Athey of New York City; son: Marshall B. Allen, III (Kim) of Augusta, Georgia; granddaughters: Erin and Cameron Allen, of Augusta, Georgia; and son: George Allen of Savannah, Georgia.
Dr. Allen was well respected and highly regarded in the world of neurosurgery for his dedication and high standards. He was however a renaissance man for his love of learning and experiencing new and different things. He was always excited about a new adventure. He took great pride in his accomplishments and greater pride in his family.
The funeral service will be Tuesday, November 17th, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev Gary DeMore, senior pastor of St. John United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Westover Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to St. John United Methodist Church, 736 Greene Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901 and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, PO Box 97075, Washington D.C. 20077-7258.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com