Peter Allan

Peter Olney Allan, 82, passed away on December 21, 2017 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home after a brief bout with cancer. He was born August 19, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio to Kenneth and Marjorie Allan. At the age of 16, Peter moved with his family to South Carolina, where his father had taken a position with the National Forestry Service. While still in high school, his interest in photography led to professional assignments with The State newspaper in Columbia, SC. Peter enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school, and he completed two active tours of duty, reaching the commissioned rank of Captain. He was stationed at various bases in the United States as well as in Europe. During his time of service, he was involved in the Berlin Crisis and the early use of U-2 spy planes. He also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves following his discharge. After serving in the Air Force, Peter enrolled in the University of South Carolina. After graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, he again worked for The State newspaper, this time as a government affairs reporter and copy desk editor. He worked at Bowater paper mill in Tennessee in public relations before moving to North Carolina and starting his distinguished career in corporate public relations for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. He was the director of public relations for most of his 27-year career, and he retired early in 1992. He then worked as a public relations consultant for RJR and other clients for 6 years. Peter was very involved in his churches and community. He served on the board of directors for the Winston-Salem United Way in the 1980s. He was a founding member and the charter president of the Piedmont Kiwanis Club in 1996. He was involved in the public relations efforts for the successful voter referendums funding Winston-Salem economic development, school bonds and the LJVM Coliseum. He enjoyed history, especially World War II. Being an avid reader, he formed a book club through a senior health initiative at Baptist Hospital. The book club was such a success that it still meets every month. Peter is survived by his wife of 41 years, Joan Foster Allan, of the home; 2 daughters: Nancy Smith of Rock Hill, SC, and Laura Payne(Bruce) of High Point; 2 stepdaughters: Laurel Walter(Scott) of Raleigh, and Andrea Hicks of Winston-Salem; 8 grandchildren: Jean Kelley(Patrick) of Concord; Sean and Sara Smith of Rock Hill, SC; Elizabeth Taylor(Ben) of Memphis, TN; Cory and Andy Payne of High Point; Matthew Hicks of Winston-Salem; and Madeline Walter of Raleigh; 2 great- grandchildren; 1 sister, Martha Taylor(John) of Clayton, NC; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Jean Moore Allan. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, December 28, at 2pm at First Baptist Church, 501 W. Fifth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, conducted by Reverend Emily Hull McGee and Reverend David Williamson. Family will receive friends at 1pm in Kelly Auditorium at the church. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 501 W. Fifth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, or to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family of Mr. Allan.

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