He is survived by his wife, Jayne Robertson Andrews and children James David Andrews V (Matt), Neeley Kelley Andrews (Brannon), Kelley Anne Andrews Allen (Robert) of New York, New York, Neil Robertson Andrews, and his grandchildren Robert Johnson Allen III, Josephine McClure Allen and Yorke Neeley Allen of New York, New York, his brother Jonathan Douglass Andrews of Nashville (Frances), many nieces and nephews and an enormous extended family of Andrews, Harwell, Smith and Howell cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Evalina Harwell Andrews, his father James David Andrews III, and his sister, Josephine Andrews Barksdale.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee on July 25, 1950, David attended Parmer School and Ensworth School. He graduated from Peabody Demonstration School where he met the love of his life, Jayne, in Speech class. They married in 1972.
He attended Emory University and graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in History. After graduation, David joined his family business, McClures, and remained there until it closed in 2012.
A man of gracious manner, David mentored many young professionals and retailers. Generations of Nashville families delighted in the McClures Halloween haunted houses, Christmas festivities, Easter bunnies, and famous friendly customer service.
David loved local history and “off the beaten path” hometown attractions. As a concierge, he delighted guests of the historic Hermitage Hotel with his surprising suggestions.
David will be remembered for his water skiing on Old Hickory Lake, weightlifting, walks in Warner Park, and many road trips to soak up American history and culture. He was a member of Belle Meade Country Club, Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Tennessee Historical Society.
At six foot four, he chose to lift up others rather than looking down, making everyone around him feel important. In difficult times, especially in the last years of his life, he remained gentlemanly and kind, reminding us: “Manners are your secret weapon.”
A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, March 1st from 4-6 pm at Belle Meade Country Club. The family plans a private funeral service this spring in the Harwell Chapel of Westminster Presbyterian church. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Abe's Garden Community for their loving care of David over the past year. If you would like to make a donation in memory of David, please consider Abe’s Garden Community, 115 Woodmont Blvd, Nashville, TN, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Ave, Nashville TN, or Nashville CARES, 442 Metroplex Drive Building D, Nashville, TN.
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