Roy Edward "Ed" Davenport Jr.

1926 - 2024

Roy Edward "Ed" Davenport Jr. Farmville - Roy Edward "Ed" Davenport, Jr., 98, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of September 6, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gay, the joy of his life; daughter Anne Owens of Farmville (granddaughter Ellie Booher); daughter Linda Brewer (husband Larry) of Dripping Springs, Texas; grandson John Davenport (wife Maggie, great-grandson Jack) of Wilmington; granddaughter Laura Davenport (great-granddaughter Alexandra) of Raleigh. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Janet Blair, his son, David E., and his parents Roy & Elizabeth Davenport of Winterville.

Ed grew up on his family's farm in Winterville, graduating from Winterville High School in 1943. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 and trained as an aviation radioman (RM) and aerial gunner for a Patrol Bombing Squadron in Corpus Christi, Texas. Following his military career, Ed attended Wake Forest, 1947, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with a bachelor's in economics in 1949. Ed was president of his senior class, initiated in Phi Beta Kappa, and a lifelong member of the Kappa Alpha order, later elected as a member of the Honor Court.

Following graduation, Ed returned to Farmville, North Carolina, and founded Davenport Motor Sales in 1951, the showroom formerly located on Main Street. His business acumen thrived at the dealership, earning him recognition from Ford Motor Company within the first six months of opening his doors. After leaving the car business in 1966, Ed co-founded Thermatics, Inc., a manufacturer of high-temperature wire and cable, and subsequently Telodyne Thermatics into the 1970s. Ed was also proud of the role he served as chairman of the Farmville Economic Development Council, a team responsible for bringing major industry and job opportunities to Farmville in the 1970s.

He worked his entire life, never officially retiring. His white Buick would often be seen parked outside of his office, where he continued his life's most important work of connecting with his friends who would stop by for a visit.

The friendships Ed acquired throughout the course of his life were deeply precious to him and he carried them on his heart until his last breath. He had a remarkable ability to truly see people, take an active interest in their lives, accomplishments, joys, failures, and sadness. He always had a book, a poem, or a passage of literature to share, in hopes of furthering that connection and sharing in the beautiful and sometimes painful experiences of life. His life was lived to the fullest and his warm, thoughtful, and creative spirit has made those of us who knew him all the better for it.

Visitation will be held at the Farmville Funeral Home on Thursday, September 12, from 6:00-8:00pm. A celebration of Ed's life will be held at the Farmville Funeral Home on Friday, September 13 at 1:00pm. While flowers will always be appreciated, please consider donating to the Pruitt Cares Foundation (2313 Executive Circle, Suite A / Greenville, NC 27834) or the Maj. Benjamin May D.A.R. (4668 West Wilson Street / Farmville, NC 27828).

Online condolences may be made at www.farmvillefh.com.