Allen received his education in the Miami-Dade County, Florida, and graduated from North Dade High School.

Allen was the proud father of three lovely children – Celeste Manuel, Charles "Chubby" Orson Hines-Murray, and Robert Manuel. He married his first wife, Joyce Murray Manuel in 1967.

Thereafter, Allen was drafted into the United States Army in 1967, and served his country for two years.  He courageously served on the front line and engaged in active combat duty during the Vietnam War, where he was shot and seriously wounded before returning home to the United States. Allen received an honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1969.

Allen accepted Christ as his savior and was a faithful member of Magnolia Park Church of Christ, where he served in various Church ministries.

On June 3, 2004, Allen was united in holy matrimony to Ethel Lenora Manual, and they remained married for 17 years, until Ethel was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 23, 2021.

Allen adored being with family and enjoyed a simple life. One of his favorite past times was playing cards, especially a good game of Pluck.  He also enjoyed Rhythm and Blues music.

Allen was preceded in death by his maternal Grandmother, Caroline "Carrie" Ward Slaughter; Parents, Tom Manning and Mary Manning; Wife, Ethel Lenora Manuel; Brothers, Martin Slaughter, Charles Lewis Manning, William Manning, and John "Clinton" Manning; Sister, Corine Slaughter Harrell; Brother-in-law, Walter Harrell, and beloved Nephew, Clark Lewis Manning.