Joseph H. Allison III
Dr. Joseph H. Allison, III passed away April 24, 2022, with his beloved wife by his side after a 10-year battle with lymphoma.
Joe Allison was born on October 25, 1952, in Knoxville, Tenn. He is the former Professor of Music at Eastern Kentucky University, serving as a Specialist in Research and Outreach, after serving as Director of Bands and the Graduate Conducting Division for 13 years. Additionally, he was a Managing Partner of the Marching Round Table Educational Network, Executive Director of the National Collegiate Marching Band Championship Bowl, and an Educational Clinition for Conn-Selmer, Inc.
Dr. Allison earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education (French Horn) from East Tennessee State University, a Master’s Degree (Percussion) and Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting from the University of South Carolina. He is the former Director of Bands at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Associate Director of Bands at East Tennessee State University, and Director of Bands and Orchestras at Sumter (S.C.) High School, Greenwood (S.C.) High School, and Richmond County (N.C.) Senior High Schools. He served as an adjudicator, clinician, and consultant for concert, marching, and jazz events throughout North America, South America, Europe and Japan.
Dr. Allison held professional affiliations with the Kentucky Music Educators Association (Board of Control), East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, South Carolina Band Directors Association, College Band Directors National Association, Music Educators National Conference, National Board Association (Board of Directors), American School Band Directors Association, International Association of Jazz Educators, Percussive Arts Society (Advisory Board), The Conductor’s Guild, Drum Corps International Judges Guild (Executive Board), Bands of America (Advisory Board), Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Fraternity, Phi Beta Mu Honor Fraternity and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
During his 19 years of public school teaching, ensembles under Dr. Allison’s direction received consistent superior ratings in adjudicated events and performed regularly at prestigious regional and national events. During his tenure as director, the Sumter Bands became the first internationally to be honored by the John Philip Sousa Foundation as laureates of both the Sudler Flag of Honor for concert excellence and the Sudler Shield for marching achievement. The Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensembles, Percussion Ensembles and the Chamber Orchestras were all regularly featured in major regional and national settings.
As an adjudicator/clinician/consultant, in addition to extensive concert band and jazz ensemble activity, Dr. Allison judged major competitions for the music pageantry world: the Drum Corp International World Championships, Bands of America Grand National Championships, Winter Guard International World Championships, Drum Corp Japan Championships, Latin American Championships and the World Music Contests in Holland. He was the Founding Director and Curriculum Designer of the Roundtable Judges Academy and was a curriculum assessment design consultant for several regional and international professional associations.
Dr. Allison’s personal honors include the National Band Assiciation’s “Citation of Exellence” and the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s “Sudler Order of Merit,” as well as achievement citations from both the International Association of Jazz Educators and the Percussive Arts Society. He has been listed in Who’s Who of American Educators, Outstanding Young Men of America and was honored in multiple resolutions of the South Carolina State Legislature. Dr. Allison received letters of commendation from U.S. Presidents Bush and Clinton and was a laureate of both the Order of the Palmetto from the state of South Carolina and the Kentucky Colonel from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph H. Allison, Jr., and mother, Ruby Golden Allison.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jeri Allison; stepson, Austin Meyers; daughter in-law Bridgette Meyers; and two grandchildren, Acadia and Beck Meyers, along with an aunt, Carol Golden McGinnis and uncle, Dr. Perry McGinnis; in addition to numerous cousins.
Joe was an optimistic educator dedicated to helping future generations live their best lives. Acadia and Beck were his pride and joy, and he never missed an opportunity to attend band concerts, soccer games, dance recitals, taekwondo belt tests, or picking up his adorable grandchildren from school. In addition, Joe loved dachshunds and is also survived by Abby and Oliver, who kept him laughing with their hijinks.
Visitation will be on Saturday, April 30 at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond from Noon -2 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m., and the interment at Richmond Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to a nonprofit agency or school/band program that is making a difference in your community.
Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home is serving the family.