Mr. Jesse Paul Davenport III, 79, passed away Saturday, May 21, 2016.

The son of Jesse Paul Davenport Jr. and Catherine Stewart Davenport, Paul was born on October 17, 1936 in Washington. He spent his formative years in Pactolus (Pitt County), nurturing his love of education and community. Paul attended Oak Ridge Military Academy and went on to attend East Carolina University, where he was initiated into the bonds of his beloved fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha.

In 1959, Paul’s life took him in another direction and he entered the United States Air Force. While stationed in Texas, he met Diana, his bride of 53 years. During a distinguished military career that spanned more than 22 years, Paul and Diana were stationed all over the country, and even lived for brief periods in Germany and Thailand. In 1981, Paul retired from the Air Force, having attained the rank of Lt. Colonel. Paul and Diana returned to Pactolus, his home and heart, to join his brothers at JP Davenport & Son, one of the largest agricultural enterprises in Pitt County, and very well known in eastern North Carolina.

After 20 years with the family business, Paul retired, but stayed actively and energetically involved in the community serving at the Pactolus Ruritan Club and the Pactolus Volunteer Fire Department, among other endeavors. In 2005, he began serving as a Trustee for Pitt Community College — a personal commitment he treasured for over a decade, including serving two years as the board’s Chairman. It was also during this time that he and Diana renewed their passion and unbridled love for the Pirate Nation.

They made close friends and showed their dedication and support for the University, and especially the athletes, by attending numerous baseball, basketball and football games — both home and away, whether two hours down the road or across the country.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Diana Schulz Davenport in 2015. He is survived by: a daughter, Cathy Smith and husband, Steve, of Oak Point, TX; son, Jeff Davenport and wife, Cori, of Fort Mill, SC; his precious grandchildren, Shelby and Kyle Smith, Ella, Cole and Grant Davenport; brothers, Lawrence Davenport and wife, Sarah, and Charles Davenport wife, Cathy, all of Pactolus; sister-in-law, Sue Schulz of Timpson, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 8 PM at Wilkerson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be conducted Friday at 5 PM in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pitt Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 7007, Greenville, NC 27835.

Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.