Clarence Davenport Jr.

A Celebration of Life for Clarence Davenport Jr., 85, of Milano, Texas, will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Milano First Baptist Church. Visitation will be held before the service at 10:00 a.m. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Donald Valenta officiating.

Clarence Davenport Jr. was born on June 26, 1940 to Clarence Sr. and Iva Mae Davenport. He was baptized on April 29, 1956 at Milano First Baptist Church by Bro. Walter Fox.

He attended Milano Public School and graduated on May 28, 1958.

On July 9, 1960, he married Joan Rachel Rawlins, the love of his life. From this union they were blessed with two children, Cynthia Ann and Gerald DeWayne.

Cynthia married Robert E. Whitmore and Gerald married Vivian Blane Smith.

He had four grandsons: DeWayne Vance, Gerritt Wayne, Joshua Lance, and Jayden Reese Davenport.

While still in high school, Clarence began a TV and radio repair service in his bedroom in the family home. After finishing high school, he and his dad, Clarence Sr., moved the business to a shopping center in Rockdale near the present-day Brookshire Bros.

This was one of his many business ventures. He repaired TVs and radios, sold CB radios, and did HVAC work.

In 1983, he moved his business to a building in downtown Rockdale. He partnered with his son, Gerald, and they sold used autos, operated a wrecker service, sold and installed satellite TV systems, and operated a sand and gravel business. He was a jack of all trades.

In his later years, he operated a roadside assistance service for 18-wheelers and was a locksmith.

When he wasn't working, he enjoyed fishing and camping. He built two motor homes, one from a used mail truck and the other from a milk truck.

Clarence also enjoyed photography, and any photo he took of a family member or a friend had to include them holding up a fish.

He also enjoyed doing artwork and singing gospel songs to anyone who would listen.

Clarence passed away on March 10, 2026 at Winnie L. Nursing Home in Cameron, Texas, where he loved his friends and caregivers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Sr. and Iva Mae Davenport; an infant grandson, DeWayne Davenport; his son-in-law, Robert Whitmore; and his son, Gerald Davenport.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Joan, of 65 years; his daughter, Cynthia Whitmore; his daughter-in-law, Vivian Davenport; and three grandsons, Gerritt, Joshua, and Jayden Davenport. He is also survived by his sisters, Carol Gill, Janet Hirt, and Debbie Maxey, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.