Allen James Golightly

Allen James Golightly January 12, 1954 – February 21, 2026

Allen James Golightly was born on January 12, 1954, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, to Hilairia Dekiere Golightly and Gene Houston Golightly.

He was a man known by many names — Allen, Al, Allen James, Honey, Hon, Dad, Daddy, Peepaw, Great Peepaw, and Friend — each one spoken with love.

Allen spent his early years in Mount Clemens. After his honorable discharge from the United States Army, he made Alabama his home. He and his beloved wife of 42 years, Beverly, lived in South East Lake and Huffman before building their retirement dream home on a small private lake in the Woodhaven Community of Pinson, Alabama.

As a young boy, Allen loved collecting baseball cards, playing Little League baseball, and riding his bike. In high school, he discovered a passion for singing, and his chorus group traveled to England to perform a memorial presentation of Fiddler on the Roof — a cherished memory he often shared with family and friends. Though he faced hardships in his early years, Allen was determined to build a better future, and he succeeded in whatever he set his mind to accomplish.

Allen loved to travel and visited many states, especially enjoying camping during the last four years of his life. One of the most meaningful experiences of his faith journey was traveling to the Holy Land, where he was baptized in the Jordan River near the site where Jesus was baptized — a moment he treasured deeply.

Allen began working while still in high school in a hospital laboratory. After graduation, he joined the United States Army, trained as a medic, and served in Germany. Following his military service and move to Alabama, he attended Samford University, where he earned his nursing degree. He worked at Princeton Hospital, East End Memorial Hospital, Carraway Hospital, and UAB Hospital. He also served as a travel nurse in California and New Mexico. While in New Mexico, he cared for many Native Navajo patients, developing a deep respect for their resilience, patriotism, and enduring strength. During that time, he attended Gallup Church of God.

While working full-time in the hospital, Allen attended Birmingham School of Law at night and earned his Juris Doctor degree — a true testament to his determination, discipline, and strong work ethic.

Allen enjoyed fishing, playing cards (especially Canasta), bowling, chicken foot dominoes, camping, and riding his e-bike. Like many in his family, he was delightfully competitive — and often ruthless at the card table.

Allen never met a stranger. He had a remarkable gift for making people laugh and made it his mission to bring joy to those around him. He leaves behind a host of friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing him.

While much of the family proudly cheered for the University of Alabama, Allen faithfully supported Auburn University. He often said his loyalty was inspired by his brother-in-law Greg, an Auburn graduate.

If you knew Allen, you knew how deeply he loved his family — and how proudly he spoke of them. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His face would light up whenever he talked about them.

In his 72 years, Allen became a legend within his family and left a lasting impact on countless people. He was a faithful member of The Healing Place Church in Trussville. He loved the Lord deeply and treasured his time in Bible study with his men’s group.

Allen passed away on February 21, 2026, with Beverly by his side. We find comfort in knowing that when he took his final breath, he was holding the hands of Jesus.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Hilairia DeKiere Wilson; his father, Gene Houston Golightly; his brother, Nelson Brown; and his beloved granddaughter, Baylee Grace Peterman.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Beverly Golightly; his daughters, Jamie Burgess (Ronnie) of Prentiss, Mississippi; Amy Percha (Andy) of Columbus, Michigan; and Samantha Wyss (William) of Pelham, Alabama; and his sons, Jonathan Peterman (Amy) of Springville, Alabama; Jeremy Golightly (Amie) of Springville, Alabama; and Jason Peterman (Julie) of Pelham, Alabama. Allen was blessed with 13 grandchildren (including Baylee in Heaven) and five great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Austin Peterman, Aaron Johns, Devon Johns, Joseph Golightly, Zachary Golightly, Andrew Golightly, Hunter Wyss, and Carter Peterman.

Michael Waldrop, Pastor of River of Life Worship Center in Alexander City, Alabama, and brother-in-law; and Leslie Lupton, Senior Pastor of The Healing Place Church in Trussville, Alabama, and friend, will officiate.

The family welcomes flowers and suggests that memorial donations be made to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (CureSMA.org) or to The Healing Place Church in Trussville, Alabama.