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Tribute to Richard Eve Allen: A Community Leader in Augusta

A tranquil park memorial reflects the community contributions of Richard Eve Allen.

News Summary

Richard Eve Allen, a respected attorney and community leader from Augusta, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 83. His remarkable legal career and deep involvement in the community left a lasting legacy. Born and educated in Augusta, Allen served in the U.S. Army Reserve and held significant roles in public service, including district attorney. His contributions to local organizations and passion for family defined his life, and he is survived by a loving family. A funeral service is planned to honor his memory.

Augusta

Richard Eve Allen, a distinguished attorney and community leader from Augusta, passed away peacefully at his home on July 24, 2025, at the age of 83. His long career in law, public service, and community engagement left an indelible mark on the Augusta community.

Born in Augusta in 1941 to Helen Gibson Allen and Richard Elliott Allen, Jr., Richard was the only child in a family rich with local history, including several mayors of Augusta. His education began at the newly established Episcopal Day School and advanced through William Robinson Elementary School. Following the death of his father in 1950, he and his mother moved to Atlanta, where she began working for Delta Air Lines.

After graduating from Northside High School in 1959, where he excelled in basketball and tennis, Allen earned a degree in philosophy from Vanderbilt University in 1963. While at Vanderbilt, he was involved in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, further shaping his leadership skills. In 1966, he completed his education at Emory University, receiving a Doctor of Law degree and holding the position of vice president of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity.

Upon returning to Augusta, Allen began his legal career at the firm Cumming, Nixon, Eve, Waller and Capers. In addition to his thriving practice, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he underwent basic training at Fort Bragg and advanced training at the U.S. Army Intelligence School at Fort Holabird.

In 1972, Allen made a significant leap into public service by running as a write-in candidate for district attorney, a campaign that proved successful. He served two four-year terms in this position and was later appointed by Governor Jimmy Carter to the Criminal Justice Standards and Goals Commission and by Governor George Busbee to the Georgia State Crime Commission. In 1980, he transitioned to private practice, focusing on trial law and criminal defense, where he continued to make a substantial impact over a 50-year legal career.

In 1969, he married Kay Dienst Heinsma, becoming a stepfather to her children, Kathryn and John. Later in life, he married Jeanie Cross Smith and embraced the role of stepfather once again to Katherine and Randy Smith, forming deep family connections that he cherished throughout his life.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Allen was an engaged community member. He was an active participant in the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and the Kiwanis Club, among other organizations. He dedicated time to coaching youth soccer teams at the YMCA and played a pivotal role in the planning and construction of the public Newman Tennis Center.

Outside of work and community service, Allen enjoyed reading and immersing himself in American and European history. He frequently attended symphony concerts and hosted a gentlemen’s book club, showcasing his appreciation for culture and education. He took great joy in spending time with his family, particularly at sporting events featuring his grandchildren.

Richard Eve Allen is survived by his wife Jeanie and their children: Kathryn Kirley, John Heinsma, Eve Cronje, Elliott Allen, Katherine Smith, and Randy Smith Jr., along with several grandchildren who held a special place in his heart.

A funeral service will be held on July 31, 2025, at The Church of the Good Shepherd, followed by a reception in the church’s parish hall. A private interment will take place at Summerville Cemetery.