Mr. James “Allen” Plyler, 78, of Statesville, N.C., passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at The Gordon Hospice House. He was born on September 3, 1945, to the late Paul Revere Plyler and Ruby Plyler Marshall.

He was a 1964 graduate of Statesville High School and a retired Lieutenant for the City of Statesville Fire Department. He was also a volunteer for Ebenezer Fire Department for many years.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Priscilla Dowell Plyler; two daughters, Kimberly Ownbey (Randy) of Olin and Rhonda Sloan (Brad) of Olin; and two grandsons, Clayton Ownbey (Victoria) and Connor Hobbs.

Allen enjoyed being with his family and he loved all the animals, whom he called his “furbabies.” He always loved watching football and baseball. He also loved going to the mountains and the beach.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 12. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 12, at 2 p.m. at New Prospect Baptist Church with Pastor Josh Byrd and Speaker Ronny Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with firemen honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to New Prospect Baptist Church, 509 Prospect Road, Statesville, NC 28625; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate; and Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Pallbearers will be Randy Ownbey, Brad Sloan, Chris Hobbs, Clayton Ownbey, Connor Hobbs, and Nolan Amox.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.