Steve "Papa D" Leon Allen

Steve “Papa D” Leon Allen, 68, of Wilson passed away Friday, May 9, 2025. Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, with the family receiving friends immediately following at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. Rev. Wayne Whitley will officiate.

Steve, known to so many as Papa D, was truly one of a kind, he never met a stranger, just friends he hadn’t talked to yet. With a big smile and an even bigger heart, he had a way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. He loved God, his family, his friends, and his dog Hercules, who went just about everywhere with him. He enjoyed the simple things in life, especially hunting, fishing, painting, and dancing. Papa D didn’t just dance, he was a dancing machine, lighting up every room with his energy and rhythm. He was a jokester at heart, always full of surprises and ready with a story or a laugh. Papa D was a great man, genuine, full of life, and impossible to forget. John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have external life. This was “Papa D” favorite verse.

Steve is survived by daughters, Candice Allen of Wilson, and Stephanie Allen of Wilson; son, Stephen Allen of Bailey; grandchildren, Alex Chavez, Jaiden Shorts, Willow Allen, Winter Allen and Jacoby Allen; mother, Rebecca Taylor of Wilson; brother, Timmy Allen of Wilson; sister, Wanda Allen of Wilson, niece, Bridgette Baker and husband, Chris; great nephews, CJ, Wes, Parker and his four-legged companion, Hercules.

He was preceded in death by his father, Freeman Leon Allen.

In lieu of flowers, consider memorials in Steve’s memory to Joyner’s Funeral Home, PO Box 425, Wilson, North Carolina to help with the end of life espenses.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.