Allen Phipps Jennings, age 92 passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018 in Carrington Place, Wytheville, Virginia. Mr. Jennings was born January 2, 1926 in Fries, Virginia to the late John Jennings and Nannie Porter Jennings. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen and several brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter Mary Akers and her husband James, sister Carolyn Jones of Fries; and brother Fred Jennings of Fries. Several nieces and nephews. Special nephew, Joe Hicks of Fries and special friends Wayne King, Temple Burris Davis and Don Bond.


Allen proudly served his country in the United States Navy, enlisting on December 28, 1943 and serving until April 26, 1946.


Allen, a native of Fries, Virginia ,taught at Virginia High School in Bristol, Virginia for fourteen years. He also worked as physical director of the YMCA in his hometown of Fries for four years.


Affectionally known as Coach Al Jennings and also "Birddog", he served as Associate Professor of Physical Education at Wytheville Community College from 1970 to 1992. During his tenure at WCC he taught health and physical education courses. He was an exceptional classroom teacher throughout his career and was voted "most outstanding instructor" on numerous occasions by the students. in addition, he single-handedly created and operated a comprehensive and effective intramural sports and activities program for twenty years. In 1996, he was named Professor Emeritus and honor which may be bestowed on retired WCC faculty members who have held faculty rank, had a minimum of ten years of service and made meritorious and significant contributions to the college.


Coach Jennings is well known in the Fries area and authored a book called "Saturday, My Day To Wear The Underwear"


The funeral service will be held Sunday, March 11, 2018 at 2:00 PM in the Fries Baptist Church with Barry Lyons as speaker. Interment will follow in the Fries Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until time for the service.


Military rites will be conducted by the Grayson VFW Post 7726.


In Lieu of flowers the family requests memorial be made o the Grayson VFW Post 7726, 115 Klondike Road, Independence, Virginia 24348