Clarence Genoa ”Ras” Allen III, who departed this life February 24, 2023, was born on September 28 1945, in Greenville, TX.
His parents, Clarence G. Allen Jr and Florence Marie Berry Allen, predeceased him. Ras is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Linda Hawkins, his two beloved daughters, Wendy Allen Lewis of Plano and Alicia Allen Ducote of Flower Mound, as well as his four grandchildren, Drew Allen Ducote, Blake Ridley Lewis, Katherine Jane Ducote, and Claire Julia Lewis. His loving brother, Dr. Boo Allen, who is a resident of Dallas.
Ras graduated from Bryan Adams High School in Dallas in 1963 and received a golf scholarship to the University of North Texas in Denton. He was Captain of the North Texas Golf Team from 1965-1967 where he graduated with a B.S. in Physical Education. Ras played in many amateur tournaments in Texas and was the lowest qualifying amateur golfer in the United States for the 1966 U.S. Open. He turned professional and played on the PGA Tour from 1968 – 1974. Ras was in four U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, twice at the Colonial and twice won the NTPGA. He once worked at Winged Foot Golf Club and then served as Head Golf Professional, Director of Golf, and Club Manager at several prominent courses in the U.S. during his career.
Ras made many lifetime friends growing up in Dallas, during his college days at UNT, and later at Los Rios Country Club in Plano, Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas, and Pinetree Country Club in Marietta, Georgia. His friends and family say Ras’ biggest attribute was his integrity and honesty. He would often help a friend, employee, or stranger in need, always willing to give the shirt off his back for someone else.
Ras was an athlete at heart and loved following and watching all sports and teams, but was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. You could often find Ras relaxing in his recliner, watching the big game while wearing his Dallas Cowboy sweatshirt, football in hand, drinking a big glass of iced tea, with the sports column of the newspaper nearby. Ras was a simple man and enjoyed these simple pleasures.
Although Ras had a great love for sports, his greatest love was for his family. He sacrificed and worked extremely hard throughout his life to provide for all of them. Ras was a devoted, loving, and loyal husband to Linda. He couldn’t be prouder or love his two daughters and four grandchildren more than he did. He and his brother, Boo, were close in age and Ras always valued the tight bond they shared as brothers and friends.
Ras never ended a conversation or visit without telling his family how much he loved them, and the family will hold on to those special memories forever.