It was Friday, May 20, 1938, in Perry County, Uniontown, Alabama, when the late Deacon Allen Wagstaff Sr and his wife, Cora (Carrie) Lee Jefferson-Wagstaff were blessed with a new addition to their family, another baby boy. He was their second child and their second son. They decided not to fuss over what to name him; it was an easy decision for the proud parents. They named him Allen Jr, but fondly called him Brother, which was subsequently shorten to Bro.

Bro attended weekly Sunday school and Church Services at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Uniontown, AL. Every year during the summer, we attended evening revival services for two weeks. And year after year, Bro would go into seclusion during the revival season, spending each day alone and in hiding because he was on the “mourners’ bench.”

After the revival season, he would quietly and quickly emerged from seclusion and

continued his normal routine without ever confessing belief in Christ—in spite of all the singing! The moaning! The preaching! The teaching and praying over him, with him and for him, Bro remained stoned faced and continued his usual pursuit when he got off the “mourners’ bench.”

After graduating from high school, Bro left home to travel the world as a soldier without ever confessing belief in Christ. This was unsettling on the home front, especially to mom, who was always a faithful prayer warrior. There were times her outcries and visible uneasiness were obviously troubling her, but by faith she continued her prayerful pursuit, hoping that she would get a letter from Bro telling her that he had accepted Christ as his personal Savior.   

It was years later, when Bro was on an assignment in Viet Nam, he came face-to-face with an enemy’s drawn gun. “I should shoot you!” This was all Bro remembered hearing! Fortunately, the enemy did not shoot him. But Bro was measurably frightened. It was then he realized it was not the enemy’s good nature that protected him; but GOD’S Amazing Grace. Upon his return from that assignment, he visited the church where he spent years on the “mourners’ bench.” It was there that he openly confessed belief in Christ and was baptized.

Bro was a dedicated servant leader. He had a passion and a thirst to learn more about God’s Word and saving grace. He searched scriptures, seeking application to become more “Christ Like,” enrolled in and completed many Biblical courses. He learned the power of prayer, became a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, a trainer and he served God faithfully until the end.

Bro’s sole objective was to fulfill GOD’s will. To that end, he maintained a strong desire to “keep running” to see what the end would be. That end came quickly mid-morning, Friday, March 24, 2017. So much more can be said about this awesome individual because of the wonderful things he accomplished. In the end, 2nd Timothy 4:6-8 perfectly sums up his life. “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith: Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love HIS appearing.”

Bro completed first through eighth grades at Antioch Elementary School, Uniontown, AL. In May, 1956, he graduated from Perry County Training School, Uniontown, AL. In June, 1976, he graduated from Chaminade College, Honolulu, Hawaii with a Bachelor Degree in General Studies. He served in the US Air Force from October 2, 1956, through June 30, 1985. He retired from Military Service July 1, 1985, as a Senior Master Sergeant and in 2003, he retired as a Contracting Officer from the Directorate of Contracting at Ft. Rucker Army Base, Enterprise, AL.

During Bro’s twenty-nine years of Military Service, he was awarded many commendations, awards, certificates and recognitions. For example: Extension Course Institute, Diploma to MSG. A. Wagstaff for Successful Completing the Command Non-commission Officer Academy Correspondence Course Program, 27 October, 1976; The Unites States of America, The Meritorious Service Medal To Senior Master Sergeant, Allen Wagstaff, Jr. For Meritorious Service, 25 February, 1983-30 June, 1985; Citation to Accompany The Award of The Meritorious Medal To Allen Wagstaff, Jr, 25 February, 1983-30 June-1985; Department of Air Force Headquarters Keesler Technical Training Center, Kessler Air Force Base, MS To Senior Master Sergeant Allen Wagstaff, Jr. Resource Management, Kessler Air Force Base, MS. Certificate of Retirement, to Senior Master Sergeant, Allen Wagstaff, Jr, July, 1985; Department of The Army Supervisor Civilian Service Award, Allen Wagstaff Jr, July, 1985.

Bro’s wife, Helen; son, Curtis; dad, Allen Sr; mom, Cora, brothers, Thomas and Hezekiah and sister, Emma preceded him in death. Left to cherish and cling to his loving memories are: two awesome sons, Granison, Enterprise, AL and  Tommie, Buffalo, NY; Three awesome grandchildren, Ashley, Chelsea and T.J., Buffalo, NY; Three amazing sisters: Octavia Wagstaff, Newbern, AL, Dr. Priscilla Wagstaff-Hines, Detroit, MI and Delores (Calvin) A. Wagstaff-Williams, Adams, TN; four God fearing supportive brothers: Jeff (Anne), Buffalo, NY; Pastor AJ, Omaha, NE, Pastor McArthur (Lessie), Ft. Wayne, IN and Pastor Robert (Barbara) Montgomery, AL.

Also, because of his love for them, the following nieces and nephews will sorely miss Bro: Mac, Marlon, Michael, Marcel, Marcus and Delonda; Regis and Reginald; Kaiser, Jermar and Ebony; Beverly, Kathy and Al Jr; Thomas, Stevie, Thomasa and Tracey; KP, Ashley and Afryca; Elliott; Ryan and Rodney; Ariel, Yvette, Colette and Eric.

A host of relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbors, church members, associates/affiliates, and co-workers even the postman/women. Bro knew them all and was always ready to put forth a joke, even if it wasn’t funny; they all befriended him because his gregarious personality. We understand; we will miss him, too.

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