Big Stone Gap, VA - Ruben Lee Allman, 84, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at his home.
A lifelong resident of Big Stone Gap, he was in the first graduation class of Powell Valley High School in 1960, where he played football. Ruben went on to receive his bachelor degree from Virginia Tech. He served honorably in the U.S. Army at Fort McClennan, AL. He taught math at Powell Valley High School and was a computer programmer for Westmoreland Coal Co., helping to set up their system. He later went on to be a foreman at Prescott Mine for Westmoreland. Lastly, he served as a respiratory therapist at Bristol Regional Medical Center until his retirement. Ruben was a longtime member of Trinity U. M. C. in Big Stone Gap, where he served on various committees throughout the years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother and friend to many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Lucille Dixon Allman, Sr.; baby sister, Margaret Allman and a brother, Bobby Allman.
Ruben is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Sturgill Allman; daughter, Lora Allman Lay (Darren), Front Royal, VA; three grandchildren, Eddie Lay, Violet Lay (Marcus Worfel) and Nancy Edna Lay; two great grandchildren, Ashton Lay and Scarlett Lay, both of whom Ruben adored; brother, Edmond Allman, Jr. (Marietta), Spotsylvania, VA; several nieces and nephews, including Tina Mabe, who helped care for Ruben during his illness; brother-in-.law, Dennis Sturgill (Sue) and sister-in -law, Wilma Light; and a good friend, Don Whitaker, his football game partner.
A memorial graveside service will be announced at a later time.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Ruben Allman.
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