Remembered for his quick with and easy laugh, Allen Vause of Fairmont, NC, passed away at about 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, following a brief illness. He was 94 years old.

Allen was born October 3, 1927, near Kinston, NC, the son of a tobacco auctioneer. His mother died when he was 13, after which he was sent to live with a grandmother. At 17, Allen joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Trained as a radio operator, he deployed to the Pacific Theatre for post-war duty. He was honorably discharged in 1948.

Relying on his military training, Allen soon got work as a radio DJ in Columbus County, NC. He moved to WFMO in Fairmont, NC in the late 1950s, and later worked at WTSB in Lumberton, NC. During this period, he played "Pepsi Pete", emcee of a popular children's program every Saturday morning at the Carolina Theatre.

He then spent a few years in sales and ran his own office supply business. Allen finished his career as a real estate agent and appraiser.

He formed Vause Realty with the love of his life, Ann Stone McAlister Vause, co-owner of Capitol Beauty Shop in Fairmont, NC. They married on July 10, 1965, a second marriage for both. They combined her young son with his three children into one family at their home in Fairmont's Ashley Heights section. Their home became a regular gathering place for neighborhood children, who were always welcomed.

Allen's charisma and good humor made him a natural for the Robeson Little Theatre, where he spent more than a decade in the 1970s and 80s, as actor and director. His most memorable role was as Oscar Madison, opposite Dr. Bob Andrews as Felix Ungar, in the Neil Simon comedy hit, The Odd Couple. Their performance was so acclaimed that it was reprised more than a decade later, with both men in their original roles.

Allen's other survivors include: Nancy Vause Flynn of Little River, SC; Ricky Vause and wife Linda of Fairmont, NC; Ginny Vause Martin of Lumberton, NC; Nick McAlister of Fredericksburg, VA; along with eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 PM at Floyd Funeral Services, 1549 Marion Stage Road in Fairmont, NC.