The Richmond, Virginia community is mourning the profound loss of Larry Davis, a beloved stylist, vibrant community figure, and cherished friend who passed away in mid-March 2026 at the age of 58. Known for his impeccable taste, boundless charisma, and a heart as generous as his personality, Larry left an indelible mark on the lives of his clients, neighbors, and loved ones. He was not merely a stylist; he was an architect of confidence who spent his life making others look and feel their absolute best.
Life Highlights & Quick Facts
- Profession: Premier Stylist at Jerry Atkins & Associates.
- Specialty: Renowned as Richmond’s go-to bridal and event stylist.
- Philanthropy: Featured dancer in the 2015 Dancing with the Richmond Stars, raising funds for the Virginia Treatment Center for Children.
- Signature Charm: Famous among neighbors for his surprise gifts of homemade “High Kick” Southern pimento cheese.
- Core Values: Creativity, community connection, and bringing joy to every space he occupied.
Early Life & Education
Born circa 1967, Larry Davis grew up with an innate appreciation for aesthetics, personal presentation, and human connection. From an early age, he understood that fashion and style were not superficial pursuits, but powerful tools for self-expression and empowerment. Supported by a close-knit family, including his sibling Harvey Custalow, Larry cultivated a warm, welcoming spirit that would eventually become the cornerstone of his professional and personal life.
His educational journey and early training in cosmetology refined his natural flair for design. Larry quickly distinguished himself as a young talent who possessed both the technical precision required for high-end styling and the emotional intelligence needed to build lasting relationships with his clientele.
Career Zenith & Contributions
Professionally, Larry reached the pinnacle of Richmond’s beauty and fashion industry as a highly sought-after stylist at Jerry Atkins & Associates, one of the region’s top salons. His chair was a sanctuary for his clients. Larry’s expertise spanned advanced coloring, cutting-edge trends, and comprehensive personal styling, but he was perhaps best known as the city’s premier bridal stylist. Affectionately dubbed “the wedding guy in town,” Larry was the trusted hands behind countless brides, ensuring their most important days were met with flawless elegance and a calming, joyful presence.
Colleagues and clients alike described Larry as someone who carried confidence and flair naturally. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his craft elevated the standard of cosmetology in Richmond. He believed that personal presentation was a defining part of one’s identity, and he used his shears and styling tools to help people discover their best selves.
Leadership & Affiliations
Beyond the salon, Larry leveraged his local celebrity and vivacious personality for the greater good. In March 2015, he proudly participated in the fifth anniversary of Dancing with the Richmond Stars. Partnering with professional dancer Baramon Kolb from Rigby’s Jig, Larry performed a show-stopping Salsa that captivated the audience.
This event, hosted by the MCV Hospitals Auxiliary, was not just about entertainment; it was a deeply philanthropic endeavor. Larry’s participation helped raise vital proceeds to support care for children on the autism spectrum at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children, the mental health branch of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. His willingness to step out of his comfort zone and onto the dance floor perfectly encapsulated his leadership style: leading with joy, community spirit, and a desire to uplift the vulnerable.
Legacy & Impact
The passing of Larry Davis leaves a void in the Richmond community that cannot be easily filled. His family, led by his sibling Harvey Custalow, expressed their heartbreak while extending deep gratitude for the outpouring of love from the community.
Larry’s legacy is defined by the energy and warmth he brought into people’s lives. Longtime friend James Millner beautifully captured his essence, stating, “What an absolute bolt of joy and light Larry was. Stylish, handsome, and vivacious, he lit up every space he occupied”. Another close friend, Amy Hoover Cabaniss, remembered him as “always the life of the party,” a man who created countless unforgettable memories.
His impact was felt in the grand moments and the quiet, everyday gestures. Neighbors will forever cherish his friendly waves, his infectious laughter, and the delightful surprise of finding containers of his famous “High Kick” Southern pimento cheese left in their garage refrigerators.
Larry Davis lived a life of vibrant color, profound generosity, and exquisite style. While the Richmond community mourns the loss of a local icon, his spirit will continue to shine brightly in the confidence of the clients he styled, the charities he supported, and the hearts of the friends and family who loved him dearly.