Jesse Allen, Wooddale Middle School Eagles coach, passed away unexpectedly on December 27, 2025.
He wasn’t just a coach but a father figure to his student-athlete.
Jesse Allen was more than a coach.
He was a proud member of the Memphis football family and left a lasting mark on the athletes he guided with his genuine and honest soul.
He fiercely believed in his players, and they are forever thankful for the wisdom and advice he instilled in them. His presence in their lives was a gift.
Jesse was a true Memphian and a proud Central High School Warrior, graduating with the Class of 1992. His dedication to his community continued on the sidelines, where he later coached for two years at MLK alongside Larry Kimble Jr.
The legacy of Jesse Allen lives on through every player he mentored and every life he touched with his integrity and belief.
Rest up, Coach Jesse Allen. I enjoyed coaching with you the two years at MLK. Rest up, Coach. Holla at George for me.
Larry Kimble Jr.
Also, see: Gone Too Soon: Delaware Early College School Grieves the Unexpected Death of Hornet Jayden Callender
Coach Jesse Allen’s Unexpected Passing Leaves a Void in Memphis Hearts and Huddles
Jesse Allen was a cherished pillar of the Memphis Tiger football family and a transformative figure in the lives of countless young athletes.
His passing left the Memphis community with profound sadness and heavy hearts.
Jesse’s dedication to the game and to the people within it defined his life’s work.
His most profound impact was felt in Wooddale Middle School, where he was a builder of character, a mender of spirits, and a steady guide during the turbulent years of adolescence.
His sudden passing has sent waves of shock and grief through the very athletes he so faithfully served. They remember him for his unwavering presence and positive force in their formative years.
Sad day for our Memphis Tiger football family. Peace and blessings to the family of Jesse Allen. Love for our fallen teammate.
Alvin Franklin
Jesse freely gave his unwavering support, unconditional love, steadfast advice, comforting hugs, infectious laughter, and guiding voice.
He saw potential where others saw uncertainty and offered belief when confidence wavered.
Moreover, he stepped into the role of a father figure for many athletes, providing wisdom, discipline, and a safe harbor.
I gonna to miss you so much, Coach Jesse Allen. We had some good times together. You wasn’t just a coach to me, you were a father to me. I remember we would check each other everyday and I would coming in the gym, talking to you, and everything. This hurts real bad. I would never thought you would leave us like that. God called an angel home. We going to miss you 😔 💔 we love you.
Rere Hower
Jesse Allen’s memory will be forever cherished by his family, his extended Memphis Tiger family, his heartbroken Wooddale Eagles, and all who were fortunate enough to know his strength and his smile.
The Allen family will soon announce a memorial service to celebrate the life of a beloved coach. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Rest in Peace, Coach Jesse Allen.
Dammn Uncle Jessie, I love you mane ts really unbelievable, can’t believe you gone just like that. First my pops, now you,💔you fasho was a good uncle mane and ik you fasho loved all yo neices and nephews the same 💯, im fasho gone miss how every time i saw you, you like “Wassup Boy ‼️😭 I loved hearing you say that mane no cap, Love ya Unc Get yo rest up and tell my OG I said WASSUP and I LovE him Too‼️💙🕊️Jesse Allen
Mario Matthews
