William Harold Davenport was born the son of Lewis Thomas Davenport and Beulah Mae (Woods) Davenport on July 9, 1922, in Slick, Oklahoma, and departed this life May 6, 2015, at Eaglecrest Nursing and Rehab Center in Ash Flat, Arkansas, at the age of 92 years.
He was united in marriage on January 10, 1946, at Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Mildred Laverne Smith.
He is survived by his wife, Laverne Davenport of the home in Hardy, Arkansas; two daughters, Linda Bassham and husband, Russell, and Denise Hilton and husband, Dan, all of Hardy, Arkansas; one son, Dale Davenport and wife, Brenda of Van Buren, Missouri; six grandchildren, Gayla, Janna, Aaron, Savannah, Johnny, and Charity; nine great grandchildren, Austin, Brianna, Zachary, Lena, Benton, Judah, Alex, Ben and Curtis; one sister, Dorothy Jane Rodgers; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James Fredrick Davenport; and four sisters, Nellie Mae Lindsey, Evelyn Faye Jones, Thelma Cordella Garner, and Wilma Grace Treat.
Bill was a Veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Army-Air Force during World War II. When his country called, he answered and spent seventeen months as a P.O.W.
He was a construction worker and was custodian at Williford Schools.
Bill was an avid Razorback fan, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and making handmade walking canes. His most enjoyable times were spent with the love of his life, best friend, and wife of sixty-nine years, Laverne. He treasured his family and will be remembered as a man of integrity with a kind heart and gentle spirit.
He was a Christian man and a member of New Hope Baptist Church where he served as deacon for many years.
He was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Services for Mr. Davenport will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 9, 2015, at the New Hope Baptist Church near Wirth, Arkansas, with Brother Keith Marlin officiating.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM, on Friday evening, May 8th, at the New Hope Baptist Church near Wirth.
Burial will be in the McCollough Cemetery near Wirth, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the New Hope Baptist Church building fund and may be left at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.
May 8, 2015 @ 9:40 am
John & I extend our deepest sympathy to all the family. John has told me many stories about Mr. Davenport. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you.