James "David" Allen

James David Allen, 60, of Hiddenite, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at his home. Mr. Allen was born in Iredell County on January 21, 1957, and was the son of Nellie Dixon Allen and the late James E. Allen.  He was a graduate of Iredell County schools and received his accreditations in law enforcement from Mitchell Community College.  On July 15, 1995, he married Vanessa Toney Allen and together they shared 21 years of marriage until his death. Mr. Allen was retired from the Claremont Police Department and was of the Baptist faith.  He was a 32nd degree mason and a member of Stony Point Masonic Lodge #593 AF&AM. David made a hobby from being a blacksmith.  He made lantern and birdhouse hooks, tent spikes but was best known for his custom knives.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding his motorcycle.  David also enjoyed the time he spent with his friends but nothing compared to his family.  His love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was genuine.  He will be missed by all that knew him. Along with his father, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Charlie McDaniels and father-in-law G. Edward Toney. In addition to his mother, Nellie Allen, and his wife Vanessa of the home, he is survived by one daughter, Christy Allen McDaniels of Love Valley, two sons, Matthew Allen (Crystal) of Taylorsville and Ryan Allen (Jessica) of Hamptonville.  He is also survived by a step-daughter, Heather Fleenor of Bethlehem and Josh Grindstaff (Rebekah) of Taylorsville along with his sister, Donna A. Worrell (John) of Statesville. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Hayden and Trinity McDaniels, Elijah Allen, Mariah Fleenor, and Wyatte and Colton Grindstaff along with a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services for David Allen will be conducted at 2:00 PM Friday, February 24, 2017, in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. J.B. Parker, Jr. officiating.  Burial with full masonic rites will follow in the Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  The family will visit with friends Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of David Allen.