Jack Austin Davenport

Jack Austin Davenport, age 96, of Kingsport, Tennessee, met our Heavenly Father on Friday, January 19, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family. Jack was the first-born son of Denton and Pauline Davenport on November 3, 1927 before the eventual birth of his brother, Harold E. Davenport in 1932. Jack and his brother spoke daily in his later years until his passing. 

Jack served in the United States Navy beginning on September 11, 1945 and after an honorable discharge on October, 1948, served a second time beginning on August 5, 1950 until a second discharge on July 27, 1953. He received the World War II Victory award along with an award for good conduct. After service, Jack attended Whitney Business College for one year before taking a job at Eastman Chemical as a secretary, receiving a promotion as a personnel representative. He then accepted the position with Eastman Credit Union as Chief Loan Officer until his retirement after 23 hardworking years. 

Jack married his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth Ketron on June 21, 1952, and had two beautiful daughters, Amy and Lisa Davenport. Jack was a wonderful father and an even greater grandfather and father figure to his daughter’s children and their children. He was a caretaker and always made sure his family knew where home was. His love and protection was the soul of his family until his final days. 

Jack enjoyed attending church at Fall Branch First Baptist where he served as Deacon and enjoyed the preachings of his good friend, Carl Strickler, while also being highly respected by many in his congregation. He would take his grandson, Samuel, often and afterwards they would drive to their local Hardees to enjoy roast beef sandwiches and Mayfield Ice Cream. He went on many adventures with his wife and daughters and loved seeing his grandchildren, Sam, Paul, Sabrina and her children, Trinity, Bryson and Emma. Jack and his wife celebrated the same birthday, although four years apart and he loved her immensely for 71 years until his passing. All who knew Jack spoke of his kindness and generosity to others and his hard work on everything he did and he will be missed by all and will always hold a special and irreplaceable place in our thoughts and our hearts. He has now taken his seat on the Throne of Grace.  

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Denton and Pauline Davenport. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Mary Elizabeth Davenport; daughters, Lisa C. Wilder and Amy S. Shelton; grandchildren, Samuel A. Wilder, Sabrina Fields and Paul Surcey; great-grandchildren, Trinity Deal, Bryson Blevins and Emma Fields; brother, Harold E. Davenport; and nieces, Robin and Randi and families. 

Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00pm on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Oak Hill Memorial Park with Rev. Carl Strickler officiating. Military Honors will be presented by American Legion Posts 3/265.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.