Allen Mims

Allen Lester Mims Jr., 76, of Clayton, North Carolina passed away peacefully early Monday morning, August 31, 2026 in his beloved home on his farm with his daughter by his side.

Allen was born on August 18,1950 at Rex hospital in Raleigh to Allen Lester Mims Sr. and Emily Vaughn Mims. He grew up on Dover Road in Raleigh where he formed lifelong friendships with neighbors, Paul Simpson and John Pearson.

He graduated from Broughton High and earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from North Carolina State University. Allen began his career as a plant manager at Kemp Furniture where he was highly respected for his leadership skills and integrity.

In 1978, Allen met the love of his life, Emily Lee Hunt. They married in 1980 and built a life grounded in love, faith, family and service. They welcomed their son, Allie, in 1981, and their daughter, Pattie, in 1983.

Later that year, they built their home on the family farm in Clayton, where they raised their children, cattle and quarter horses. The farm was his sanctuary, the center of his family and the place he cherished until his final days.

A lifelong public servant, Allen dedicated himself to making Clayton and Johnston County a better place. He served for 20 years on the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, and served as both chairman and vice chairman during his tenure. He retired from politics in 2018.

Allen’s exemplary service record reached far beyond elected office. He was a member of the Clayton Planning and Zoning Board, the Clayton Rotary Club, the Clayton Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations and boards throughout the county.

His lasting legacy is the Clayton Center on Second Street in downtown Clayton. Alongside Lee, he was a founding member of the Clayton Cultural Arts Foundation and was chairman of the Clayton Auditorium Renovation Capital Campaign. Allen’s leadership and vaunted determination led to a most successful $2.1 million fundraising effort to restore the historic auditorium.

In recognition of their generosity and vision, the auditorium stage was named in honor of Allen and Lee. Those who knew Allen will remember not just the titles he held, but the way he lived. Quiet strength, integrity, humility and kindness are a few of his attributes. He believed in serving others without seeking recognition and in leaving every place better than he found it.

He is predeceased by his wife, Lee, who passed away April 15, 2025. He is survived by his son, Allie Jackson Mims II, and daughter-in-law, Jessica Mims; his daughter, Pattie Mims Howard; and his beloved grandchildren, Edward Jackson “Eddie” Mims, LeeAnn Elizabeth Howard, and Lester Jackson “L.J.” Howard.

Allen’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, in the friendships he nurtured, in the farm he loved and in the community he faithfully served. His influence will be felt for generations to come, and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In honor of Allen’s wishes, the family will scatter Allen’s and Lee’s ashes at a private ceremony on the farm at a later date.