Ben, a member and a past Grand Strategus of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., graduated from Howard University in 1963 from the College of Liberal Arts with a BS degree, in the class of "vanguards" as he fondly referred to them.  Ben would say that he never intended to be a trailblazer; the doors of opportunity opened in their time and he was charged with walking through them.  In 1976, Ben graduated from Rutgers University Graduate School of Business with a MBA.

Ben worked as a banker for 38 years with four firms spanning New York City, Washington DC, Mclean VA and Charlotte NC; Marine Midland Bank, HSBC, PNC Bank (former Riggs Bank), and Branch Banking and Trust (BB&T), respectively.  After holding numerous management positions over the course of his career, he retired in 2007 as Vice President, Financial Center Manager with BB&T in Charlotte NC.  It is important to note that he was the first African-American to hold senior positions in many of these institutions.   Throughout Ben's career as well as into his retirement he sought opportunities to mentor and uplift.  During his time in New York, in particular, he was the Treasurer for the E.D.G.E.S. Group, a not-for-profit organization founded by and for African-Americans in corporate upper management and executive roles — many of whom were the first and/or the only African-American executives in their respective corporations. Simultaneously, Ben pursued his US Army Reserve duties and responsibilities, rising in rank from Active Duty Captain to Colonel, receiving several awards and recognitions for meritorious service.

Shortly after retiring from banking, Ben became a community activist with Organizing for America (later called Organizing for Action (OFA)). He was proud to have served in various grassroots organizational roles mobilizing voters within Mecklenburg County to deliver the votes for the election of Senator Barack Obama to President of the United States.  In 2012, Ben worked as a Field Organizer for the re-election of President Obama.  Ben's grassroots organizational acumen was a contributing factor to the successful re-election campaign for Mayor Anthony Foxx, now U.S. Secretary of Transportation.  Ben was equally honored to have served as a substitute teacher in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School District.  During his years of public service, Ben was honored to have met the President, the First Lady, numerous White House Officials and Cabinet members, and North Carolina political figures.

Colonel Benjamin "Benny" Perry Allen III USAR (ret) knew he was blessed.  Ben is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth "Kenny" M. Allen, niece Leslie Elizabeth Allen, and beloved cousin Phyllis King Dunham and many others who mightily walked before him. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Francesca Marsan Winslow Allen of Seattle Washington, two daughters Nicole Denise Allen and Camille Marsan Allen Hannans, son-in-law Jahmar Kelsey Hannans, and grandson Joshua Jedi Allen Hannans.

Ben was a giant in stature and he lived, laughed and loved with his entire being.  He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service and love and will be dearly missed.