Birth Date: 11/20/1944
Deceased Date: 01/27/2020
Smithfield – Donald Earl Davenport, age 75, died Monday evening, January 27, 2020 in the SECU Hospice House surrounded by his family. Donald was born on November 20, 1944 in Maury, NC but later moved to many locations in Eastern, NC with his parents, the late Rev. Norman Franklin and Bertha Wooten Davenport, throughout his father’s ministry. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Steve Davenport and Wayne Davenport. Donald graduated in 1963 from Goldsboro High School and later obtained his Machinist certification from Wayne Community College. He then went on to work as a machinist for General Electric for over 35 years. After retirement, Donald enjoyed restoring antique cars and tractors and attending the regular retiree meetings at Rudy’s Hotdogs and Hardee’s. Donald never met a stranger and spent his time helping people, serving the Lord and his country. He was a member of the National Guard, a charter member of Faith FWB Church in Goldsboro, and attended West Calvary FWB Church in Smithfield. Donald’s great passion in life was by far his family, especially his grandchildren.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2020 in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Sauls, Rev. Ricky Hamm and Rev. Dan Patrick officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening prior to the service. Burial will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020 in the Town of Eureka Cemetery.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Judy Sauls Davenport; daughter, DeeDee Daughtry and husband Bryan of Smithfield; son, Chad Davenport and wife Cindy of Princeton; grandchildren, Russ Daughtry and wife Melisa, Owen Daughtry, Conner Davenport, and Michael Daughtry; great granddaughter, Cassie VanDyke and husband Richie; and great great granddaughter, Kensley VanDyke.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
