Bobby Allen Davis
Jan. 20, 1964 – Nov. 5, 2021
Bobby Allen Davis, 57, of Henrico County died November 5, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. Allen, as he was known, was born January 20, 1964 in Richmond, VA.
“We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time!” Allen Davis was an original with a larger than life personality who lived by that mantra. An entertainer at heart, Allen was quick with a one-liner or carefully crafted story that got funnier each time he told it. After a career that began with helping others as a volunteer firefighter in Hanover, Allen spent the better part of his adult life as a successful restauranteur. He created comfortable spaces where everyone felt welcome. He knew what he liked – good food, great music and icy cold drinks. He passionately shared those things – first at the Dugout, then Shenanigans Eatery and Pub and finally at Eat 33.
A loving husband, Allen leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Joan. He is also survived by a son, Garrett Davis; sister Nina Rowe (husband Bryan); and countless friends especially those he shared office space with at Buddy’s.
A memorial gathering will be held from 5 to 8 pm Thursday, November 18 at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 pm Friday, November 19 with a memorial service to follow at 2 pm at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Glen Allen followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Allen’s memory to FeedMore.
He will be missed by all who knew him. What a great friend he always was to me. My love to Joan and the family.
A larger than life person, Allen will be missed! Praying for Joan and the family!
Praying for Joan and her family. So sorry for your loss.
Allen was a good cook, music fan, and a bar owner, who had his finger on the pulse. He was sometimes loud and boisterous, way more observant than you might suspect, and often kind and generous, in an incognito, stealth like manner. He knew what he was doing and did every job, in his restaurant, when needed. He was a good neighbor, a good boss(who pretty much let me do my thing, without micro managing and often asked for, and actually listened to my opinion) and a fellow music fan. I will always remember the great shows, he brought to Shenanigans,
Best to Joan and Allen’s family, bar and bological.
Thanks for the memories.
R.I.P., Boss.🍀
He will be missed sorely at Buddy’s. We looked forward to his presence at the corner table every day. His humor, advice , generosity and kindness are irreplaceable. From the staff at Buddy’s…
Really sorry to hear this. He was a big, positive part of many of our lives.
He will be missed… You and the whole family are in our prayers during this time..
So sorry to see this, Joan. Allen was a great guy who will always be remembered for the good times he created for so many. Hugs & love to you.
He will certainly be missed by all.
His laughter was contagious! God bless his familh!RIP
Allen and I went all the way back to the “Suzanne’s Lounge”
days. The stories we could tell. Damn. I’ll miss you, my friend.
Allen will be greatly missed by all. His laugh was infectious…and what a great sense of humor. Joan, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Brad and Bonnie Smallwood
Will miss him bunches! Allen was a great man, who brought music to the masses, and opportunity to musicians! So glad to have known him, and been a part of his legacy. My heart broke a bit today when I heard he was gone.
I dont know what to say. I am so sad about Alan’s passing. I equate the entirety of the 30s with Shenanigans. I started hosting open mic at Shenanigans the day before 9/11. That’s the only reason I remember the date. I hosted/played there mondays and then every Wednesday for 10 years. In addition, for some reason Alan never bought a PA system so he hired me to run sound for all the incredible bands he had come play there. I was part of so much great music and met so many cool people. I sure wish I kept a diary of all that craziness! The thing I miss about Shenanigans is that you could always go there..any time..and be Norm. You always had a place at the bar and you were always surrounded by friends. He had a gift of making people feel at home…even at 1 Am when he would play the “get the f*ck out” song.” Alan and Joan embraced me..I felt like part of a family when I was there. When my son graham (who is now 18) turned three I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday. He said he wanted to “rock out at ‘nanigans” so he joined my open mic and sang his heart out to “Puff the magic Dragon” to the everyone’s delight. Alan didnt bat an eye that my 3 year old was on stage. He embraced it..bc it was entertaining. I will miss his hug, his laugh, his vision, his BURGER, his smile and his big, big heart. I hope he is getting a venue going in the sky cuz I sure as hell wanna go there when I die. Love you, Alan!!