When he was growing up, Mike Allen lived all around farming.

His dad, uncle Bob and uncle Lynn all grew prime gardens, but Mike never intended to be a farmer.

Rather, his dream was to be an engineer. Auburn seemed to be the logical place to go for that degree, although before that his folks had been Alabama fans.

A graduate of Thompson High School, Allen played football (all mid-state) and baseball (third base all-county).

In his last few months of high school, he had fallen hard for fellow senior Marcia Joiner.

Allen spent his first year at Auburn and came home every weekend to see Marcia, who was attending the University of Montevallo.

“She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known – she’s perfect,” he said.

After one year of separation, it was decided they would both be at Auburn University the next year. They were married Sept. 8, 1979, by the Rev. Terry Maynard.

After getting his engineering degree in 1982, Mike took his only job with Alabama Power.

Later, he received an MBA degree from Samford University and worked his way through the ranks with Alabama Power.

Currently, he is a project manager working with Thyssen-Krupp Steel out of Calvert, near Mobile.

Allen is responsible for the lines and sub-stations to be built for this mega company. He has made several trips to the company’s headquarters in Germany.

The Allens have traveled to France and the Caribbean.

Their next trip will be to Greece and Italy.

Allen wants to do some church history research.

A third generation Presbyterian, Allen takes and lives his faith seriously.

He has served as both elder and deacon and on many committees and boards, as well as teaching Sunday school.

For years he was a Boy Scout mentor.

“Live in community and be of service to each other,” he said.

He wants to be remembered as a person who can be counted on.

Allen and his wife, who teaches at Creek View, are parents of Mary Beth (Auburn grad and now at the University of Montevallo working on her Master’s degree) and Michael (a sophomore at Auburn University).

Currently, Allen is serving on the Planning and Zoning Board and Industrial Development Board in Alabaster.

With the hobbies of golf and working out at the YMCA, Allen is a specimen of the well-rounded life.

He still lives near his parents, is very visible in many leadership positions, has a great (but dry) sense of humor, lives a responsible life and is a dedicated but fun loving Christian.

Sandra Thames writes a weekly column for the Alabaster Reporter. You can reach her at bobthames192@yahoo.com.