Allen Ray Free

Heaven’s gates opened on May 13, 2022 for Allen Ray Free, 64, of Plano, TX, who passed away peacefully from complications of heart attack and stroke at Medical City Plano, surrounded by close family and friends.

Allen was born June 2, 1957 in Knoxville, TN, son of John and Marion (Galbraith) Free. He graduated from Bearden High School in 1975 and studied broadcast communications at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Allen combined his love of music and business savvy with his pioneering technical expertise in internet technology, streaming media and digital marketing, most recently working as Integrated Marketing Manager for Radio One. Allen’s high-profile career in the radio industry included online technology director and producer for Kidd Kraddick at KISS-FM, helicopter traffic reporter and producer for the Ron Chapman morning show at KVIL-FM, and digital director for Cumulus Media. He also has the distinction of being one of Mark Cuban’s first employees at Broadcast.com. As a DJ for countless weddings and events, Allen cherished bringing people together to create happy memories.

Allen’s faith and unwavering commitment to family and friends was his highest priority. He enjoyed gathering for a good meal, spending time in nature, listening to live music, traveling, or a sunny day on the water. A Southern gentleman (with a love for sweet tea), his positive energy was contagious, offering a smile and kind word of encouragement that touched so many lives. While Allen was an only child, close friends describe him as being like a brother.

Allen is survived by daughter Kasia (Denver) Birdwell with grandsons Gavin and Grayson of Plano, TX, son Brannon Free (Jessica) of The Colony, TX, mother Marion (Chuck) Free of Knoxville, TN, father John (Marilyn) Free of Grand Rapids, MI, stepsister Shelly (Tom) Lamica of Lampoc, CA, stepbrother David (Kris) Roskiewicz of Greenwood, IN, stepbrother Steve Roskiewicz of Grand Rapids, MI, Elene Free of Plano, TX, who remains a beloved Yia-Yia for the grandsons, beloved girlfriend Linda Thomas of Dallas, TX, and numerous lifelong friends.

A memorial service will be held at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the 201 Building of Chase Oaks Church, 201 Legacy Dr, Plano, TX 75023. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chase Oaks Church or to a fund assisting with Allen’s medical expenses. https://givesendgo.com/ allenfree In addition, a blood drive will be held at Chase Oaks Church on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 10am-3pm. https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=ChaseOaks

The family wants to thank the outstanding doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals at Medical City Plano and Faith Presbyterian Hospice, who delivered skilled and compassionate care throughout Allen’s journey.