Richard McGuire "Dicky" Davis

At the age of 90, Richard McGuire "Dicky" Davis passed away on Friday, May 20, 2022, after an accelerated decline in recent weeks.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, to Mary Grace (Davis) and Clyde Lee Davis, Dicky was the youngest of five. With his mother, Dicky moved inland to Happy Creek Farm in Gordonsville, when it was feared the Nazis might land at Virginia Beach. Too young to enlist as his older siblings did, Dicky enrolled at the Greenbrier Military Academy as a 6th grader.

After beginning his studies at UVA, Dicky soon left to pursue a newfound love of flying. He became a certified flight instructor and helped manage the Gordonsville Airport for a number of years. His love of flying inspired two generations of his family to also pursue flying and space careers.

On a cross-country road trip to Los Angeles with fellow pilot Jim Bell, Dicky was introduced to Theresa Reese (Davis) and the two married and had six children. For a time, Dicky managed the family farm and worked as a contractor, building or renovating several homes, first in Gordonsville and later in Free Union.

In the 70s, Dicky loved to travel and would often go on trips with his family. He eventually purchased an Airstream trailer and headed to California. While there, he discovered an interest in photography; he also ventured to Mexico, capturing the ambiance of the country with his camera. He later brought the whole family to San Miguel de Allende to live for a year. Many of his children and grandchildren picked up on Dicky’s love of travel and have explored many parts of the world.

Following a subsequent stay in California, Dicky returned to the Charlottesville area, separated from his wife, and eventually purchased a small mountain outside of Free Union. He garnered media attention for building -- atop the mountain -- a geodesic dome partially powered by windmill-generated energy. He also opened Dicky's Darkroom, a communal darkroom and photography gallery.

Dicky's varied interests and passions have had a positive influence on many. His love and involvement in architecture, renewables, the arts, flight, and travel are easily traceable to varying degrees in all his children.

We would like to mention how grateful our family is to Pamela Tetro, a caring and communicative family nurse practitioner on the UVa geriatrics team. We want to also thank Debbie Turner, part of the nursing staff at Linden House. Dicky came to rely on Debbie’s competency and no-nonsense kindness which proved so helpful his last days.