Rutledge Allen Klein, Jr., affectionately known as “Big Al,” passed peacefully Into the loving embrace of his Heavenly Father just before sunrise on January 25, 2024. Allen returned to his eternal home surrounded by family and the dedicated team of doctors at Emory University Hospital who so deeply cared for him over the years. His life journey of strength and unwavering faith serves as a testament to the power of belief and the will to fight until the very end.
Allen is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Harolda; four beautiful children, Paige, Cheryl (Chris), Rusty (Virginia), and Patrick (Robin); sisters, Rudine (Don) and Nancy (Richard); and brother, Mike. He adored his nine grandchildren, Alexa (Jack), Brittany, Russell, PJ (Kiernan), Andrew, Chandler, Cole, Chloe, and Mary Katherine. He was blessed with five great-grandchildren, Storm, Briggs, Eleanor, Patrick Allen III, and Baylor.
Allen was preceded in death by his father, Rutledge Allen Klein, and mother, Eleanor Haley Klein, as well as grandson, James Quinton Lumpkin V.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 31, 1944, Allen spent his early years in Albany, Georgia, where he discovered his talents of playing classical piano, boxing, baseball, storytelling, and making people laugh. After graduating from Albany High School, he went on to have a successful third-generation business of restoring antique furniture in Atlanta before retiring to his dream home along the Chattahoochee River.
His favorite days were spent at the ballfield coaching, working on his classic cars, camping, deep-sea fishing, spending time doing yard work, and building beautiful memories with family. Those who were blessed enough to know Allen knew that he bled red and black and could often be heard yelling at the TV as the Dawgs and Braves played.
Allen attended Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Demorest, Georgia. His faith in the Lord led him during a life-saving double lung transplant in 2015, and he was coined the nickname “Superman” due to his immense bravery and determination. Special acknowledgment is due to his wife, Harolda, for her commitment and endless dedication to his health during this time. We are forever grateful to the young donor who afforded us these additional years and precious memories.
We remember our beloved patriarch’s incredible spirit and the lessons he taught us through his courageous battle. His legacy reminds us to cherish every moment, laugh often, and embrace the strength within us.
Services to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, February 3, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Demorest, Georgia.
The service will be livestreamed via the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory’s website (https://www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com/obituary/allen-klien)
The family invites and encourages all in attendance to join them at a reception immediately following the service at Ogletree Estates, 220 Paradise Park Road, Cornelia, Georgia 30531.
Donations may be made to the Georgia Transplant Foundation (gatransplant.org), 2201 Macy Drive, Roswell, Georgia 30076.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
