NEWPORT-John B. Allen, Jr., retired Newport businessman and World War II veteran, died Friday, February 26, 2010, in Arizona. He was 88.

Born in Cocke County on September 3, 1921, Allen, known more familiarly as "Diddle," was the son of the late John B. Allen and Arlie Arrowood Allen, both members of pioneer Cocke County families.

Following his graduation from Cocke County High School in 1938, Allen entered Tennessee Wesleyan College, where he played football during his freshman year.

When World War II began, Allen left school to enlist in the U. S. Marines in July of 1942. He would served until the war's end in 1945 and saw action in the Pacific Theatre. At the time of his discharge, Allen held the rank of sergeant.

Returning to Cocke County, Allen married the former Dorothy McMahan, establishing a marriage that lasted until his death 63 years later. The couple became the parents of five children.

In the late 1940s, the Allens joined the Auto Industry Evolution and moved to Cleveland, OH for better job opportunities. The remained there until 1969 when they returned to their Cocke County roots.

At late time, the Allens became owners and operators of the Northport Drive-In, a popular eatery in town. They remained in this business until 1985 when they sold it.

Allen's grandson, Walter (Buddy) Cole, said of his grandfather, "He will be known by many as a man that believed in hard work and honor. He never asked anybody for anything as he believed in strong morals and values led to happiness. He believed in his country and was a very proud and honorable man. He will be missed and loved by many. Our country just lost a proud American, but God gained a strong right-hand man who will never complain."

Funeral arrangements for Allen remain incomplete and will be announced later by Manes Funeral Home.