Allen Martin Linkes
Allen Martin Linkes of Clinton, Tennessee, passed into the arms of the Lord on Aug. 12, 2026. Allen was born Feb. 15, 1944, to Ashley Dalton Linkes and Nina Ruth Linkes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat Linkes; the mother of his children, Joyce Linkes; siblings, Billie Loveday, Ashley Dalton Linkes Sr., Joan Heaton, Edith Shockley, David Linkes, Gayle Linkes and Lynn Linkes; and his precious grandson, Jonah Linkes.
Allen is survived by his brother, Paul Linkes; children, Katherine Bumgardner and David Wallace, Melissa and Robert Nolan, and Todd and Sonja Linkes; grandchildren, Adam Bumgardner and Jessi Jones, Chad Nolan and Morgan Whaley, Ashley and Ryan Human, Isaac Nolan and Lauren Eiler, Ada Nolan, Josh Linkes, and Sarah Linkes and Diego Wallace; great-grandchildren, Tavyn Bumgardner, Gabriel Bumgardner and Rhett Nolan, with great-grandson Reed Allen Nolan expected soon; and his best friend and loyal companion, Julie Osborne. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Allen graduated from Clinton High School in 1962. Throughout his life, he worked as a barber, musician and brick mason, but whatever he did, he left an impression on the people around him.
Music was a great part of Allen’s life. He played throughout East Tennessee and became well known in the area. He performed on the Cas Walker Show, played on local radio stations and in nightclubs, and had the opportunity to sing on the same stage as Dolly Parton on many occasions.
His love of music was also an important part of his faith. As a member of Dutch Valley Baptist Church, Allen faithfully played his guitar and sang at church every Sunday and many Wednesdays. He also loved the University of Tennessee Volunteers, especially when he could watch them with his children and family.
To many, Allen was known as the “Chimney Doctor.” He worked as a brick mason for decades and helped build many local buildings, including the DOE Federal Building and the Appalachian Underwriter building. For more than 50 years, he built and repaired chimneys throughout the area. There was rarely a street in Clinton or Oak Ridge that Allen could travel down without pointing out a house where he had worked.
His family extends its thanks to all his loyal customers.
Allen never really stopped working. Even from his ICU bed, he was still giving directions to make sure a job was finished. That was simply who he was. He also never stopped preaching, sharing his faith, telling people he loved them and making everyone around him laugh.
Allen suffered an aortic aneurysm and miraculously survived it. His family believes God gave them three more precious weeks with him so he could continue preaching and sharing His message, make sure the people he loved knew exactly how much he loved them, and give his family final closure.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 22 at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. The funeral will follow, with the Rev. Ryan Human officiating.
Family and friends will gather at Grandview Memorial Garden for a graveside service at 2 p.m. Aug. 23.
Serving as pallbearers will be Adam Bumgardner, Chad Nolan, Isaac Nolan, Josh Linkes, Gabriel Bumgardner and Justin Linkes.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to serve the Linkes family.
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