James E. Davenport

James Eldred Davenport, 87, Benton, passed away Saturday, October 20, 2012. He was born April 27, 1925, in Grant County, Arkansas, to the late William Harrison "Harry" and Essie Pearl (Barnes) Davenport. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II and earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in Europe during the war, including D-Day at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, followed by campaigns through Belgium, Holland, and Germany. Upon returning home from the war in 1947, he resided in Benton, trained as an electrician through the GI training program and worked at Alley Electric and then for the City of Benton Utilities, where everyone called him "Jed," until his retirement in 1987. It was in Benton that he met and married his wife, Ethel, and they raised their son, Ronnie, and were blessed to enjoy much time with their grandchildren, Heather and Stephen, and great-grandchildren, Kaity, Daniel, Caden, and Gabriel. James loved to hunt, fish, "piddle" in the yard, read the morning newspaper, and tell stories to his family and friends. His favorite fishing hole was Cox Creek Lake in Leola, where he spent many summers with his family and friends. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Benton. He is survived by his wife, Ethel (Alderman) Davenport; his son, James Ronald "Ron" Davenport and wife Ramona recently of Conway; two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, three brothers, Wilton Davenport, Sheridan, Billy Ray Davenport, Shreveport, Louisiana, Kenneth Davenport and wife Nettie, Sheridan; one sister, Fannie Sue McCoy and husband Eddie, Hot Springs. Visitation, 5:-7 p.m., Wednesday, October 24, Ashby Funeral Home, Benton. Funeral services, 10 a.m., Thursday, October 25, Ashby Funeral Home, burial, New Rosemont Cemetery, Benton. Bro. Frank Thurman will be officiating. Pallbearers: Phil Davenport, Dale Davenport, Kerry McCool, Clifton Padgett, Robbie O'Neal, Mike Rushing, Gene "Skipper" Hodges. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church in Benton. Online guest book at ashbyfuneralhome.com.