The richardson clan.


El was like our grand dad.  We loved him dearly and were heartbroken to hear of his passing.


My childhood was growing up with El, I saw my first fireworks with him.

His passing wasn’t without sorrow and notice. His memory lives on.

El was our friend and neighbor for more than 25 years.  If you needed advice, he was the one to call.  Will miss our long phone conversations.  He was highly intelligent and a kind, caring person.  When asked how he was doing, his response would usually be “reasonably well”

He will be sorely missed.  Rest in peace.

El was unmistakably a unique person of heightened wit and extraordinary intelligence. Throughout my many years of working with Jan, I had the opportunity and privilege to create fond memories thanks to those marvelous get together events at their place. I learnt so much by listening to his stories about Africa as we marveled around a particular artifact he had collected. Often, the tale would turn to a life lesson with profound impact. I also remember how he passionately spoke about Jan, confirming my admiration for her that I developed through our joint research endeavors. Thank you, El, for I was able to meet you and enjoy your presence. 


The loss of El and memories of times past will always be on my mind.  He was not only my big brother but also a best friend.  I will always cherish his guidance and influence.  Though living at a distance, we had many visits and were able to stay in frequent touch by phone. 

Jan, thank you for being El’s life-long soul mate. We are so appreciative of how much you enriched his life and meant to him. You are a special sister to us. Our hearts are heavy for your loss.

Linden and Jan 


Dear Jan
I am so sorry for your loss. Lisa and I have not forgotten the times we spent together in Baltimore. I was just sharing a memory about El with someone this week and tried Googling El only to find his obituary. May his memory be a blessing to you.

To Jan, we can’t imagine the loss you are feeling. You have our deepest sympathy. We will miss and never forget El .
We were next door neighbors for more than twenty one years. And dispite all of El’s many health struggles, he would always check on me when Jeff was out of town on business. I could always count on El to listen to me and give sound advice. He told me what he thought. He was alway frank, passionate and true to his word.
A true friend. He will never be replaced or forgotten.
BIG HUG, El

A Requiem for Eldred (El) Perry Davis 

Honeybees live by the numbers
and die by the same.
We two are of the making by a calculation 
toward the departure.
Our time here is without a need to make a claim. 

El, you are of the cloth that covers our same flesh.
Against the fire that burns away the fabric 
our love as brothers retards the will to fuel the flame.

The bees hover over what we thought was our gain.
They will continue to make honey 
regardless of any foolish declaration 
of an eternal name given as the ordained.   

And you have been here as the reason 
to proclaim life is yours and mine forever.
For that affirmation I will sing with the bees of harvest.
A Mass is solemn only when the dirge is acknowledged 
as a deliverance toward the higher submission of knowing you; 
no combustion’s ignited spark necessary.
My grief is only of separation for the moment 
in hearing the song of your time here as a cessation 
of not having more of the same.


El was very close with his brother Linden (my Dad).   For as long as I can remember, they would call each other a few times a week. When I'd be over at my Dad's and El would call, my Dad would always excitedly pick up the phone, ready to discuss Illini basketball, Lightning hockey,  the F1 race, etc.  My Dad truly loved talking to El.  They had a great friendship.

When I went down to visit El years ago, he and Jan had me stay at their beautifully decorated home, and took me to Tarpon Springs. El will be missed.

My life has been greatly influenced and enriched by El. As his younger brother, I followed him in school by three years, and he set a high bar to follow. When I got to high school, he recommended some of the best teachers for courses and encouraged me to participate in some of the school clubs in which he had leadership roles. He inspired me to attend college and to take courses that would expand my mind and to explore study abroad and Peace Corps in Africa.

El had a broad interest in philosophy, psychology, and art, and throughout his life he had an eye for seeking and seeing in a way that dug beyond the surface to reach a deeper level. He developed a keen and life-long interest in what he saw in traditional African art during the time he taught at Cuttington College in Liberia. This later influenced his focus creating images for his master's thesis “After African Art,” on African traditional dance in the Baltimore area. I was particularly pleased to see him present this work in an exhibition at Guilford College where I taught. His artistic expression deserves a wider audience.

El was an avid reader and always happy to engage in conversation to explore ideas together. Phone calls with El were never short or lacking for meaningful discussion. I will forever be grateful for the many ways in which he enriched my life and miss him dearly. Thank you, brother. You will be part of me forever.


Our deepest sympathies to Jan on the loss of her husband. El was a truly unique person. As their neighbors for the last eight years, El was always good for a lively conversation.  He was a very engaging man and will be missed. 

El was a great guy who mentored me for many of my post-college years.  He was smart, humorous, informative and led me to an independent lifestyle.  My wife, Sally, and I were not able to keep in touch as much during our winters in Florida due to location differences.  But when we did get together he was the same old Eldred (including some beautiful woodworking).   We still have some of his photos framed and displayed on walls in our house.   Jan,  very sorry for your loss.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Eldred Perry Davis

30 janvier 1943 – 13 mai 2023

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Terrace Oaks Chapel

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