Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Allan majored in English at Princeton, graduated summa cum laude in the Special Program for the Humanities, and was active in Triangle Club and Theatre Intime. He served as first lieutenant on the U.S.S. Fletcher in Vietnam and graduated first in his class from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he was a member of Order of the Coif. He practiced law in Pittsburgh for several years before moving to Martinsville in 1972, where he was active in church, community, and industry associations.
Allan retired as president of Southwestern Virginia Gas Co. in 2003, but retained the title of chairman of that company, and its parent, Southwestern Virginia Energy Industries, until his death. Elected to the Martinsville City Council in 1986, he served as mayor from 1990 to 1994. “His record is one of professionalism, service and caring about his community and his company,” noted the local paper in an editorial eulogizing Allan.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, sister of C.T. Williams III; and his son and daughter-in law, James McClain II and Anna McClain. The class offers them its sympathy.