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.
10 responses to David "Rick" Allison
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
Bill Rader says:
February 7, 2026
I am VERY disappointed that his tenure at Dunbar High was not mentioned. He did quite a lot and made major changes for our band, not to mention the entire music program. He made many friends here. We had tons of fun with his leadership and vision. I still remember his ‘catch phrase’, “It’s the pits”, moving his piano from apartment to apartment, his quiet suggestion to me to skip county and state tryouts and go for national recognition (it worked). Rest easy Rick, you made an impact in my life.
Kevin garlow says:
February 6, 2026
I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Rick. We first met in high school. He was a fine person and a talented musician. I can still hear him playing the theme from “All in the Family”.
Sam Pollard Sr says:
February 6, 2026
Priscilla and Danny, you have been in my prayers. I have known Rick for many years. I am a past member of FUMC in Hampton and two of my children attended Hampton High School and were members of the band.
One thing I remember is Rick’s smile, something he always wore.
Susie Bailey Hess says:
February 6, 2026
I am so sorry Priscilla. Your brother was such a beautiful person and so very talented. He amazed me with how he could play the piano. He was like my big brother in High School and then Beckley College. He was the so sweet. Love and prayers for you and your son. Heaven gained a musician . ❤️❤️