David "Rick" Allison
Passed: January 25, 2026
Hampton, VA
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David "Rick" Allison
Passed: January 25, 2026
Hampton, VA
Obituary
David Richard Allison Jr., 68, of Hampton, VA, passed away January 25, 2026.
Rick was born on February 2, 1957, in Beckley, WV, to the late David and Mary (Lilly) Allison.
A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, Rick received his undergraduate degree from WVU in Morgantown, WV, and advanced degrees from Shenandoah University and Old Dominion University. In the fall 1989, he moved to Virginia and began his career as the Band Director at Hampton High School. While there, he recruited and grew the Band to more than 225 members and brought back the majorettes, flag line, and dance line, plus started the VIP’s jazz band. His show choirs competed on a regular basis, often placing first with excellent and superior ratings. He continually had delegates in district and state band. He also was the drama teacher/director at HHS for more than ten years. His students were dedicated to excellence, a value Rick instilled in each young person he taught. In 2003, Rick ended his tenure at HHS to begin a new career at Kecoughtan High School, Hampton, VA, as the director of Choral Activities, where he remained until his retirement in June 2019.
Rick was a revered member of the Hampton Community. He served as the president of the Madison Chase HOA and was loved and respected greatly by his neighbors. He was the chair of the Hampton Commission on the Arts. A Christian by faith, he was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hampton, where he directed the Youth and Children’s choirs and participated as a member of the Chancel Choir, The Glory Ringers handbell choir and The Messengers Gospel Quartet.
He is survived by his sister, Priscilla Neal, and nephew, Danny Snuffer, both of Charleston. _
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on February 14, 2026, at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum #5, Chapel of Grace, in Beckley.
Visitation will begin 30 minutes prior at the mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Music Department of First United Methodist Church-Hampton, 110 East Queen Street, Hampton, VA 23669.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
9 responses to David "Rick" Allison
Nancy Gordon says:
February 10, 2026
Mr. Allison was my Favorite teacher at Dunbar Sr. High in Dunbar WV. He pushed me to sing a solo at my 1987 Graduation. He will be missed by so many RIP 😮💨
Tamra Richardson Jones says:
February 10, 2026
I met Rick at church camp when I was in Junior High School. He was one of my camp counselors along with other friends from Woodrow Wilson High School. I loved listening to him play the piano. He was so supportive of everyone. A sweet soul. I’m sorry to hear of his passing.
Dr. Mia L. Williams Burnett says:
February 10, 2026
Mr Allison was my band director at Dunbar High School, and was very instrumental in bringing me out of my shell. He was the only person I sang to for show choir auditions. The students at DHS cared a lot about Mr. Allison, and I hope these condolences provide proof of his positive impact at Dunbar High School in Dunbar, WV. Rest in heaven, Mr. Allison, and may peace be with you always.
Karen sneed says:
February 8, 2026
Rick Allison was the greatest human that ever walked the Earth. He was my cousin and I spoke with him every Sunday for probably 40 years. Rick had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. My life is so dark as I’ve struggled these last few weeks without him. I don’t understand this as this was not supposed to be like this. I am very lost without my pal. Growing up, he was my rock. The world seems a lot dimmer and sad without the light of Rick.. I would like to share that whoever wrote this obituary should’ve included the family members and details about his life that made him who he was. I am absolutely crushed.
I am sure that I speak for tons when I say my life will never be the same in the world just got dark. My Ricky I love you
Perry Lynch, DHS 1984 says:
February 8, 2026
Very disappointed that whoever wrote his obituary chose to ignore everything about his years at Dunbar, and apparently everything about the people who loved him. He was a good man and deserves to have his entire life honored