Richard Davis, longtime member of Elvis's personal entourage and a very good friend to EPE and to Elvis fans everywhere, died peacefully in his sleep last night, apparently from a heart attack.
Memphis-born Richard Davis was many things to Elvis: friend, valet, bodyguard, even movie stand-in. He went to work for Elvis in the early 60'ies and their relationship continued up until Elvis's death in 1977. He was present when Elvis met the Beatles in 1965, during the taping of the '68 Comeback Special, the Vegas shows and on most of the studio recording sessions. Davis never wrote a book "because there's never been a book written about Elvis yet that's totally truthfull. I don't agree with books (of the Memphis Mafia), because a lot is fabrication. They're only written to make money at Elvis's expense, and he's not here to defend himself."
EPE is in touch with his family and will update the information as soon as possible.
Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery - East
5668 POPLAR Avenue
MEMPHIS TN 38119
Phone: (901) 767-8930
Visitation:
Monday, August 30
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Funeral:
Tuesday, August 31
2:00 PM
No information yet from Richard's family regarding their recommendtions for memorials.
Richard Davis, Longtime Friend Of Elvis, Dies
August 26, 2004 | People
Jim Semple wrote on
August 26, 2004
This is awful news, what a terrible week of tragic loss. Richard Davis, just like Al Dvorin, a very rare genuine friend of Elvis's in a world of hangers on, etc etc. Thoughts with his family and friends.
CD King wrote on
August 27, 2004
Really so sad! I pray he now rest in peace with his friend and boss Elvis. I met Richard in Memphis some years ago during Elvis Week and he was such a nice and sincere and polite and kind person. Elvis should have had more friends like him. Unfortunately the devil surrounded Elvis with The West Cousins & the Stanley Brothers and Lamar Fink etc...
MauriceColgan wrote on
August 27, 2004
My wife Maureen, and I, met Richard in the Horseshoe Casino Tunica Mississippi summer 2002. A very nice and warm man. We have photos taken at the time. Another sad loss. RIP.
Presleygirl wrote on
August 26, 2004
So sorry to hear this. Another loss in the Elvis world. I too have his family and friends in my thoughts.
PCorbin61 wrote on
August 27, 2004
What a sad thing. Richard was a prince of a guy. I wonder if he ever fully recovered from the accident with the Japanese gardner back in the sixties. Elvis stood by him then. Rest in Peace.
JC´ wrote on
August 27, 2004
Oh God... There´s no way to explain my sadeness,the pain. He was a good friend,good person always smailing. I will miss you Rick. My prayers goes to his family. Rest In Peace
TonyM wrote on
August 30, 2004
Richard always appeared to be overshadowed by the likes of the Wests with his connection and friendship with Elvis. I can honestly say that I think Richard was one of the few genuine people around Elvis, and certainly knew how to TCE as well as TCB. It's a pleasure to see him in cameo roles in a number of Elvis' movies including portraying himself working for 'The King' in "Elvis-That's The Way It Is". Richard's presence in such recent anthology documentaries as 'The Definitive Elvis' make for a very interesting interview and it is obvious that he was one of the more likeable and jovial characters within the Memphis Mafia circle....You are high on our lists Richard, rest well....
Julian Grant wrote on
August 31, 2004
I always liked Richard. First met him in 21 years ago when he worked behind the bar at Stage 45 in Memphis and I spent quite a bit of time with him. We met a couple of more times and I was surprised that he remembered me when I last saw him in 2002. He was a gentleman and I'll miss not seeing him in Memphis.
elvis_77 wrote on
August 26, 2004
This is very sad news. I had the privilage of just meeting Richard Davis during Elvis Week about two weeks ago in Memphis for the Memphis Mafia meeting. He was a very nice and likable guy. He showed alot of emotion for the many wonderful things Elvis done for people that no one ever heard about. He will be greatly missed.
massie/cassie wrote on
August 27, 2004
So sorrie to hear of Richard Davis passing. I'm afraid all our 50's generation are passing. Richard seemed to be a kind and good friend to our dear Elvis. Bless him and his family. Cassie
J.Raphael wrote on
September 14, 2004
I couldn't beleive it, when I heard , and I still can't accept it. For many years I've been bringing fans over to Memphis to go on the footsteps of Elvis...whenever we had a chance to meet Richard Davis we would meet (by apointment) him at Marlowes and we invited him for drinks and dinner....and he would tell us about his life as an actor in Hollwood, about his time working for Elvis , in the movies and on the concert-tours. He started out with the movie : "it happened a the worlds fair". He told us a lot about Elvises practical jokes, he told us so many stories which I will miss...when I go again to Memphis. Everybody in our group loved Richard!!! He was the nicest guy you can imagine!! He truly loved Elvis!! - In the last 3 years I would listen to him in awe about him having triples with his beautiful young wife Kimberly...he told us how tough it was and how after he retired...Kimberly went to work every day...and he had to stay home and take care of the 3 lovely small kids. I really don't know how Kimberly will manage to live now...without her husband and alone with 3 little kids?
I am also sad about the fact that Richard has so much wanted to come to Europe and meet fans over here at an Elvis-convention....many times I was near inviting him, but it never worked out. Sorry for that Richard..... :-(
From here I would like to send all of my respect to Kimberly and to their 3 little triples....I wish you all the best and lot of strenght for the future. May God guide and watch you !!!