Richmond, Virginia
DAVIS, Allan Holderness, 68, of Richmond, died on Friday, March 30, 2012. Allan was graduated from St. Christopher's School in 1962 and Duke University in 1966. He lived in the San Francisco area much of his life, returning to Richmond about six years ago. While in California, he owned and managed The Book and Bean, one of the country's first bookstore cafes. He also was the proprietor of Yard Art, a nationally known store specializing in antiques for the garden. He is survived by his sister, Patsy Davis, of Washington D.C.; three nieces, Lloyd Spruill of Richmond, Harriet Kendall of Charleston, S.C. and Julia Klein of Sandpoint, Idaho; two nephews, Evan Davis of Richmond and Keith Davis of Charlottesville; and seven great-nephews and nieces. A graveside service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery on Wednesday, April 4, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Christopher's School or the Virginia Historical Society.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Allan was a friend and a fraternity brother in the mid-sixties at Duke. Such a gentleman: I think he could have run for President. He treated my anamorata with such respect, as he did everyone. I found out only today that he had died. I had no idea that he too was in San Francisco AND focused on gardens. I'll always remember Allan with great fondness.
Jay Estey
January 29, 2013 | San Francisco, CA
I was so stunned to receive our family christmas card back in the mail with the word deceased across the envelope. Allan was a very dear friend from Duke days. He and my brother, John, were roomates. We reconnected a few years ago thru Christmas correspondence. His passing leaves such a void in my heart and memories. Pam Reynolds Ryan
January 05, 2013
Many would be surprized to find out Allan was a U.S. Marine, but he and I rode together to Raleigh each month to attend our USMC Reserve meetings for a couple years when we were at Duke. What a nice guy; sorry to hear of his death and sorry that I lost touch with him after Duke graduation.
R.Donald McAfee, M.D.
October 04, 2012 | Butler, PA
I just found out that Allan passed away. I know him from his San Francisco days and greatly enjoyed his company and friendship. He was missed when he moved back to Virginia. What a gentleman!
Alan Brown
May 15, 2012 | San Francisco, CA
I don't think I have ever met a more gentlemanly man than Allan Davis. He was from a by-gone era. He was so funny when he talked of people in his life, yet never derisive of them. He just saw the funny, quirky side of people and he enjoyed that about them. He loved his family greatly.
I saw him usually only once or twice a year to do his taxes for him. To this day, I have no idea how he got my name! I had always forgotten to ask. I am honored to have met him and have been able to...
Jeanne Brown
April 16, 2012 | Palmyra, VA
A faithful friend, a cheerful friend in all the ups and downs and ins and outs. He will be missed, every day. I was always glad to see him and to hear his voice on the phone. He was the perfect guest and the perfect host. He made me laugh. We laughed at ourselves.
Margaret Rich
April 06, 2012 | Chapel Hill, NC
Remembered By
Margaret Rich
April 06, 2012 | Chapel Hill, NC
Allan was one of the first to hold me as a baby! He was a beautiful man inside and out. He always livened things up with his creativity and the playful tension in his banter. I am thankful for his presence in my life. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Gibson Rich
April 05, 2012 | Durham, NC
Allan was one of the nicest boys in our group of friends growing up. He was my date for the Collegiate senior prom in 1962, and I saw him once more about 5 years ago for a short visit. I will always remember his kindness and the fun that he brought to so many of our younger days.
Carolyn Allen
April 05, 2012 | Jackson, WY
