MARS HILL: Charles Howard Allen, 78, of Hamburg Rd., went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at John F. Keever Solace Center. He was a native and lifelong resident of Madison County and the son of the late Jeter and Dollie McKinney Allen. He was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, brothers; Claude, Mack, Kelley, Furman and Ray Allen and sister, Essie Maney. He was a US Army Veteran. Surviving is his wife, Alene Chambers Allen, sister, Eloise England of Burnsville, several nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, January 21, 2011 in Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Revs Ronnie Robinson, Leonard Cole and Pastor Ron Dodson will officiate. Burial will follow in Chambers Cemetery. Mars Hill VFW Post #5483 will conduct graveside rites. Serving as pallbearers will be: Ricky and Russell Allen, Dwight England, Trevor and Ryan Ray, Chris Maney, Buddy, Nathan, Zack and Aaron Jeffords. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 PM Thursday, January 20, 2011 at the funeral home.