Mr. Alton M. "Pete" Davenport, 89 of Gainesville died Thursday October 18, 2012.
A native of Hall County, Mr. Davenport was the son of the late John Morgan and Lillie Belle Davenport. He was one of the founders and co-owner along with Paul Little of the Little & Davenport Funeral Home in Gainesville that was started in 1954. He was a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Nashville, Tennessee; was a former member of the Georgia Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association. Mr. Davenport was a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Georgia for over 50 years. Mr. Davenport served in the United States Army during World War II and was a member and deacon of the Chicopee Baptist Church.
Mr. Davenport is described by his family and friends as "one of a kind". More than just an owner of the funeral home, he dedicated his life to this business and to serving others. Through this service, Mr. Davenport undoubtedly touched countless lives of the people in Hall County and the surrounding area. He had been honored by the Georgia Funeral Director's Association for being in the funeral business over 50 years.
Mr. Davenport was a member of the Gainesville Masonic Lodge #219 F & AM, and had been honored for his long years of membership. He was also a longtime member of The Gainesville Evening Optimist Club, The American Legion, The VFW, and The Elk's Club.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law; Martha and Mickey Montgomery, Dahlonega; daughter, Beth Davenport, Gainesville; granddaughter, Kim Akers, El Paso, Texas; step grandson and wife, Joe and Kay Montgomery, Gainesville; step granddaughter and husband, Melissa and Darrel Doster, Jefferson; sisters, Margaret Strickland, Frances Cheek, both of Gainesville; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Pat Davenport, Gainesville; special caregiver, Fran Taylor, Gainesville. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.
Mr. Davenport is preceded in death by his wife, Annie Lois Davenport and a brother, A.J. Davenport.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday October 21, 2012 at the Chicopee Baptist Church. The Rev. Phil Carpenter and Rev. Darin Vogt will officiate. Interment will be in the Alta Vista Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends at the Little & Davenport Funeral Home Saturday October 20, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Georgia, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, Ga. 30346; Eagle Ranch, P.O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, Ga. 30502 or Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P.O. Box 656, Oakwood, Ga. 30566.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of Dogwood Forest Assisted Living and Odyssey Hospice for the care given to Mr. Davenport.
Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W.,Gainesville, Ga. 30501.
