Published on January 6, 2025 by Gunnar Sadowey  
Allen Lee

Samford University celebrates the remarkable life and legacy of Lee Norcross Allen, historian, professor and former dean of Howard College of Arts and Sciences, who passed away on Dec. 16, 2024, at the age of 98.

Allen served at Samford for 40 years, joining the faculty as a professor of history in 1961. He became the founding dean of the School of Graduate Studies in 1965 and served as dean of Howard College of Arts and Sciences from 1975 to 1990. From 1990 to 2001, he served as university historian, authoring “College to University: Samford on Lakeshore” and creating an extensive archive of Samford history now housed in the university’s Special Collection.

A prolific writer and historian, Allen was dedicated to preserving Baptist and Alabama history. He authored numerous works, including histories of several Baptist churches, the City of Boaz and Montgomery Baptist Hospitals. His academic contributions also include co-authoring biographies such as “Courage to Care: The Story of Ida V. Moffett” and “Christ Is Our Salvation: The Life of Paul P. Piper.”

Born in Shawmut, Alabama, on April 16, 1926, Allen began his academic journey at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) but paused his studies to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Auburn and earned his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in 1955.

Allen was an active member of the Samford and Birmingham communities, serving as a deacon, teacher and historian at several local churches, including Mountain Brook Baptist Church. He was also a member and past president of the Alabama Baptist Historical Society and the Alabama Historical Association. In recognition of his service, he was named Life Deacon of Mountain Brook Baptist Church and received multiple awards from historical organizations.

Allen’s legacy at Samford and his contributions to Alabama and Baptist history will endure for generations. His commitment to education, faith and community exemplifies the ideals of the university he served so faithfully.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Allen, his son, Leland Allen III (Traci), his daughter, Leslie Allen and two granddaughters, Lane and Mary Lee Allen.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.