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Public: Recent News

SOURCE: Daily Herald

ROANOKE RAPIDS - Judge Richard Brown Allsbrook, 78, of 936 E. 7th St., in Roanoke Rapids, died Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, in Chapel Hill.

Richard, a natives son of Halifax County, was born in 1929 to the late Sen. Julian R. and Mrs. Frances B. Allsbrook.

He was a graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School and a recipient of an AB and law degrees from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Richard served as second lieutenant in the U.S. Navy for four years in several ports, including Boston where he met Barbara, the love of his life.

After completing military service and his law degree, Richard returned to Roanoke Rapids to practice law with his father in the firm of Allsbrook, Benton and Knott. During his 20 years as a practicing attorney, he always took time for his clients and worked diligently to ensure that they were represented to the best of his ability. His meticulous nature and even temperament served him well when he was appointed resident superior court judge for the Sixth Judicial District in 1978. Over the next 22 years, he tempered justice with mercy, earning a reputation as a fair, compassionate jurist. All those present in his courtroom - attorneys, defendants, juror, witness and court personnel - consistently found him to be well-prepared, respectful and courteous.

He retired Sept. 29, 2000, and worked for many years as a mediator in the North Carolina Judicial System.

Richard was a dedicated member of the Rosemary Baptist Church for more than 50 years, where he served as deacon, trustee and Sunday School teacher. He was active in community affairs, serving as president of the Roanoke Rapids Kiwanis Club and president of the Roanoke Rapids Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of many other civic organizations. He received the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award and, in 1992, was honored as the recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award.

Richard and his parents and grandparents contributed to the life and history of Halifax County over the past century. He loved Roanoke Rapids and its people, and gave generously of himself in service to his community. Richard was a loyal friend who was genuinely interested in the lives of others. He was also a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was never too busy to be involved in the daily details of family life.

Richard is survived by a daughter and son, Barbara Alison Allsbrook of Roanoke and Richard Brown Allsbrook Jr., of Boston; sons-in-law, Curtis M. Worrell and Stephen M. Smith; four grandsons, Richard H. Aylor and R. Carter Aylor of Roanoke, Jarrod T. Worrell of Raleigh, and Tyler M. Worrell of Chicago; sisters, Mary-Frances Allsbrook Fisher, and Alice Allsbrook Auchmoody and her husband, Blake P. Auchmoody; a sister-in-law, Elaine R. Irwin of Naples, Fla., nieces and nephews, Janice Burroughs, Blake Auchmoody Jr., GiGi Robson, Bill Auchmoody, Cindy Irwin and Barbara Szymanski; and many cherished friends.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Ruggles Allsbrook, his brother-in-law, Dr. Marion L. Fisher, and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William C. Allsbrook and Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Brown.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 29, 2007, at Rosemary Baptist Church, with Dr. LaVelle Waters and the Rev. Tom Bodkin officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements where the family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., today, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rosemary Baptist Church, 936 Jackson St., Roanoke Rapids NC 27870.

The American flag flies at half-staff in front or Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in honor of Mr. Allsbrook's service to his country.