Mr. Alvin Thomas Davenport Sr., age 78, a resident of Fairway Dr., Grifton, passed away Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, at University Health Systems Hospice, Greenville. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. today in the chapel of Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations with Pastor Jason Currie officiating. Special music will be provided by Shirley Jean Sheppard. Burial with military honors will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. Jimmy Hardison, Kenny Hardison, Mark Davenport, Mitchell Davenport, Randy Moore, Jimbo Moore, Scott Sheppard and Johnny Brooks will serve as pallbearers. The family received friends from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Hillside Funeral Service and other times at the home on Fairway Drive, Grifton.
Mr. Davenport was born in Beaufort County on June 11, 1933, to the late Samuel Hezekiah Davenport and the former Kattie Bell Keech. He attended Beaufort County schools. On Oct. 9, 1956, he married Lola Curtis who survives. Mr. Davenport served his country in the Navy. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Grifton. Mr. Davenport retired from Overnite Transportation Co. following 32 years of service as a truck driver.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughters, Sherie Lynn McBynum and husband John of Kinston, and Cindy Ann Powell and husband Scott of Chesapeake, Va.; one son, Alvin Thomas Davenport Jr. and wife Jackie F. of Chesapeake, Va.; and seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Other survivors include two sisters, Elva Rae Hardison of Grifton, Shirley Jean Sheppard of Bath, and one brother, Wayne Kearsey Davenport of Pinetown.
Mr. Davenport was preceded in death by one sister, Effie May Moore and two brothers, Elmer Earl Davenport and Kiah Thurman Davenport.
Lola and children would like to express their gratitude to Jean, Ola and Wanda for their loving care for their dad. A special thank you to Peggy, Debra and Dr. Patton, the hospice organization, for their special care.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK  73123.
Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com.
Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 U.S. Highway 264 E., Washington, NC (252) 975-4500, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Davenport family.