Allan Lynn Linson

Age 68 of Portland, TN went home to be with the Lord Monday, April 16, 2018 at St. Thomas West. He was born March 28, 1950 in Portland, TN to Woodrow Wilson & Annie Elmerrene McCrery Linson. The family moved from the Cherry Mound Community to the New Deal Community when Allen was two years old. Allan worked with his father on the family farm and attended Oakmont School. He graduated from Portland High School. He attended Volunteer State Community College and Gupton College. His first "public job" was as a co-op student working for Woody and Chris Denton at Portland True Value Hardware. Later, he managed a Hardware Store for the Dentons in Franklin, KY, and after that opened his own True Value Hardware Store in White House. While in White House he served on the Sumner County Volunteer Ambulance Service and as an Auxillary Police Officer for the City of White House. Linson had a long career in retail sales including building supplies, and farm supplies. He and his wife owned and operated a florist for many years. He owned his own real estate and auction company before changing careers into funeral service, which he felt was his true calling and mission in life. Allan was an active member of Halltown General Baptist Church, serving on various committees and boards, teaching Sunday School and serving those around him. He and his wife Debby served as Youth Leaders at Mt. Pleasant General Baptist Church in the late 1970's and still have close friendships with their "kids" from that group. Linson served as treasurer of the Portland Association of General Baptists for 30 years. He was also a board member of the GBIF and has served on several church committees on the local and national level. One of Allan's favorite memories was of the time he spent singing with a gospel quartet, along with Wayne Lamberth, Rev. Clayton Hall, Joyce Carlisle Warren, Larry Paul Tate and Lloyd "Popeye" Summerville. Allan was a member and past master of Portland Masonic Lodge #326 Free and Accepted Masons, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and was awarded the KCCH in 2009. He was a member of White House Chapter 222 Order of the Eastern Star, and served as a past patron of that organization many times. Linson was active in the community. He was instrumental in starting the Red Ribbon Parade in Portland. He donated time to line up both the Strawberry and Christmas Parades for the City of Portland. He served for over 20 years on the Portland Housing Authority and was currently serving as board chairman. He currently worked as a funeral assistant for Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Deborah Ann Gilliam Linson, Portland, TN; "Heart Daughter" Jennifer (Jesse) Hand, Portland, TN; brother, Tommy Linson, Cottontown, TN 2 grandchildren, Savannah Hand and Marcus Allan Hand, Portland, TN very special nephews (his boys), Thomas Allen (Tiffany) Linson and James Blake Linson, both of Cottontown, TN; special great niece, Kinley Linson; Uncles, R.C. Tomlinson, Portland, TN and James L. Tomlinson, Gallatin, TN; several cousins. Funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 1pm at Halltown General Baptist Church 120 Dink Rut Road Portland, TN with Pastor Mike Brady and Bro. Chris Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in Halltown Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Visitation is planned for Wednesday, April 18, 2018 4-8pm at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House. A Masonic service is scheduled for 7PM on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Additional visitation is planned for Thursday, April 19, 2018 11am until the time of the service at Halltown General Baptist Church. Memorial contributions are encouraged to Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children. REMAINS REST AT AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com

Allan Lynn Linson

March 28, 1950 - April 16, 2018