Joe Edward Allison

Joe Edward Allison, age 83, of Center Ridge, passed away peacefully December 28, 2019 at home surrounded by his family. Joe was born December 5, 1936 in Perryville, Arkansas, a son of Olwin and Hattie Downs Allison. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 3rd degree Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 16, Arkansas Chapter Military Vehicle Preservation Association, and United Paper Workers International Local Union 1965, which is now United Steel Workers. He served 13 years in the Army National Guard, served 8 years as Catholic Point Township Democratic Committeeman, was a lifelong Democrat, and was retired from Green Bay Packaging Mill after 31 years of service. Joe loved the Lord, his family and friends, his country, all veterans and Country music. His hobby and passion for the last 50 years was buying and restoring old military jeeps. He was happiest taking part in Veterans Parades especially Branson, military convoys and attending MVPA meetings. He and Rita attended 20 MVPA conventions in different states across the country. His ultimate trip was driving his M151 Kaiser Jeep with good friend Gus Jones on the MVPA sponsored 2012 Alcan Highway 4000 mile convoy. This commemorated the 70th anniversary of building the Alaska Highway during World War II. The entire 43 day trip, including standing at the Arctic Circle, was unforgettable and a dream come true. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Rita Paladino Allison; beloved daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Gary Walter; precious granddaughter, Alyssa Allison Walter all of Conway; brother, Bobby (Jean) Allison of Conway, sister, Linda Sue (Butch) Wright of Houston, brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael (Earlene) Paladino, Nathan (Mary Jean) Paladino of Center Ridge; Loretta Jackson of Conway; Clara (Tim) Garvey of Fort Smith and Theresa Paladino Wofford of Morrilton and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant granddaughter, Brooklyn Anne Walter and brother-in-laws, Rick Wofford and Bill Jackson. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 3, at St. Joseph Catholic Church near Center Ridge with Father Jack Harris officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Rosary will be 6 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 2, at the funeral home with visitation following till 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Church Youth Ministry, 343 Catholic Point Rd., Center Ridge, Arkansas 72027 or charity of choice. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.