Dr. Allen Ray Overman

Dr. Allen Ray Overman, 83 years old, of Gainesville, Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family. Allen was born on March 11, 1937, in Nahunta, North Carolina, to Elmer and Ruth Sullivan Overman. Allen's family grew crops and raised livestock, and he was active in 4-H Club. He graduated from Nahunta High School in 1955. At North Carolina State University, Allen obtained a BS degree (1960), then a Master's degree and PhD in Agricultural Engineering. In 1965, Dr. Overman went to the University of Illinois for post-doctoral work until January 1969. The family moved to Gainesville, Florida in 1969 where Dr. Overman joined the faculty of the Department of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Florida. At UF, he taught undergraduate and graduate students, managed projects throughout Florida including Disney World in 1971, and worked with the city of Tallahassee throughout the 1970s. He conducted extensive research and was published in multiple Engineering journals. Allen co-authored a book with Dr. Richard Schultz who was one of his doctoral students. On June 3, 1964, Allen married Deanye Grace Lee in North Carolina. Allen and Deanye traveled to North Carolina every year to help their parents and be with family. In Gainesville, the family was active members of the United Church of Gainesville. He always enjoyed spending time with his family, children, friends and students. Dr. Overman was preceded in death by his parents; and is survived by his wife, Deanye Lee Overman; son, Max Overman of North Carolina (wife Kimberly); daughter, Karen McLeod of Florida (husband Edward); grandsons, James Dylan Byrd, Chris McLeod (wife Paola), granddaughter Nicole Brass and great-grandchildren Isabella and Anabelle McLeod and Lucas Brass. A special thank you to Pauline Watkins and Mary Lucas-Johnson, home health aides, and Karen and Ed who provided home and daily care for Allen in his last years. Memorial Services will be Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. Sweetwater Branch Inn, Gainesville, Florida 625 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601