Allen L. Hankinson, Sr.

Allen L. Hankinson, Sr.—born November 4, 1937—was the youngest of three sons of Russell and Mello Hankinson. He grew up in Daytona, Florida, surrounded by a large and loving extended family.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a Senior Airman until 1959. He then attended Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he majored in mathematics and met the love of his life, Audrey Louise Wilcox. Following their graduation in 1963, they moved to the Washington metropolitan area to begin their life together.

He earned a graduate degree in computer science from the University of Virginia and began a 40-plus-year career with the federal government. He first worked at the Department of the Navy, then the Office of Management and Budget, where he received a personal commendation from President Jimmy Carter. He later joined the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), serving as Chief of Systems and Software. He was named a Meritorious Executive in the Senior Executive Service by President George H. W. Bush and received the Silver Medal Award for Meritorious Federal Service in 1991. He concluded his career at NASA’s Goddard Space Center.

A respected voice in information technology, Allen lectured across the United States and abroad and served on the Board of Governors of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

A man of many talents, Allen enjoyed cooking, baking, and photography. He took great joy in hosting family and friends with Audrey at their home in Rockville, Maryland. He also loved traveling with Audrey to visit loved ones and explore the world; most recently, he organized a family cruise in the Mediterranean.

In 2013, Allen—a Life Member of FAMU’s National Alumni Association—was honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award.

Initiated into the Upsilon Psi Chapter, Allen was a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a charter member of both the Tau Rho and Mu Nu Chapters.

He was a dedicated member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Rockville and received the Heart for Men Award from the Men’s Ministry Fellowship in 2018.

Allen was a devoted father to Allen Jr. (Robin), Aretha, and Arlene. He took great pride as grandfather to Allen III and Brandon (Eunice) and as great-grandfather to Makayla and Micah. “Uncle Allen” was beloved by nieces, nephews, and cousins across the country. Above all, he remained faithful and deeply committed to Audrey, his loving wife of 62 years.

Surrounded by his family, he passed away on September 18, 2025, following a brief illness. His family and friends will cherish the legacy he leaves.

Services:
A wake and Omega Psi Phi Memorial Service will be held at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
The Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Calvary on Friday, October 3, 2025. Family Hour begins at 10:00 a.m., with the service to follow.
Interment will be at Parklawn Memorial Gardens.

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