Ray Davenport Obituary

Raymond "Ray" Charles Davenport SUMTER - Raymond "Ray" Charles Davenport died at age 89 on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Palmetto Health Tuomey. He was predeceased by his wife, Lula Kate Davenport. Born in Rockville Centre, New York, he was the son of the late Raymond Forbes Davenport and the late Ruth Barr Davenport. Surviving are his children, Susan Elizabeth Davenport, Raymond Forbes Davenport II (Mary Ellen) and Louise Davenport Fudger (Jack) all of Sumter; an honorary son, Edward Cribb (Linda) of North Carolina; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Marcia Davenport of Florida, Janice Collins of Idaho and Alice Amman of New York. Davenport was a veteran of World War II and Korea. Initially stationed at Shaw Field in Sumter, he met his wife of 68 years, Lula Kate Chatham, who was a Cadet Nurse in training at Tuomey Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated from Tuomey in 1945 and later received her BSN degree from the University of South Carolina. She retired from nursing from the Sumter County Health Department (DHEC). Davenport graduated from The Art School, Pratt Institute, New York City, and began his art career as a free-lance commercial artist. After moving to South Carolina and acquiring 24 years in this field, he redirected his energies to fine art. His work has received numerous awards nationwide and is found in the collections of President Ronald Reagan and the SC Permanent Collection. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 24, 2016 at St. James Lutheran Church with Rev. Keith Getz officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 P.M. Saturday at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran School, 1137 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150, to the Sumter County Gallery of Art, P.O. Box 1316, Sumter, SC 29151 or to Tuomey Foundation Hospice Services, 102 N. Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.

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Published by The State on Jan. 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Davenport

11 Entries

david nute

January 13, 2024

To say Ray is missed is an understatement. Being around him and his bride was such a delight. His quick wit was legendary. I remember when a twelve year old boy asked him about a painting of five Persian kittens was difficult to paint (he drew them from a photograph). Ray told the boy it wasn’t so
Much trying to keep them still, but it was hard washing them first. He told the young man “the hairs kept sticking to my tongue!!! Love you Ray❤

david nute

January 21, 2023

One of the most delightful human beings ever met in my life! Ray had a golden heart and was always interested in having meaningful conversations with others. He brought a smile to many people his life.

David Nute

January 13, 2022

It´s hard to believe that it´s been five years since we lost Ray. I know that he is in the arms of Jesus as he was one of the kindest and fun loving persons my wife and I had the pleasure of knowing. Rest in peace my friend!

David Nute

February 23, 2021

Ray was one of those kindest and caring individuals I’ve known in my life. Always willing to take time to talk to anyone who stop by to visit with him either at home or a show. His talent and artwork were enjoyed by so many. He brought a lot of joy and other peoples lives. Both he and his wife were absolutely wonderful people.

Larry O'Boyle

October 10, 2016

I only heard about Ray's passing a few days ago from a mutual friend. Ray worked with my late father Jerry O'Boyle and I back in the eighties on a series of art reproductions of antique cars. He was always such an easy going and pleasant man to work with. All three of us shared the common bond of having worked as graphic artists...though Ray worked at a much higher level and in an earlier time. I know he will be missed by many. My prayers are with the family.

Mark Ellis

October 9, 2016

Mr. davenport was a fine gentleman and artist, I had the pleasure of meeting him at his studio, and have several of his original paintings. He will certainly be missed

David Nute

September 3, 2016

We just learned of Ray's passing. Ray was one of the most incredible men to ever walk God's earth. His passion for his family, faith and his artwork was second to none. He was so gifted in starting a conversation with any perfect stranger that o made them feel like they knew him as a lifelong friend. He was a true blessing to those who knew him.

Pat Carson

January 21, 2016

So very sorry. I have known Ray for more than 43 years and loved watching him paint at the Iris Festival where I was able to buy the one he was working on...if someone had not already spoken for it...he touched so many lives with his art....he will be missed. My prayers are with the family.

January 19, 2016

To the Davenport family. We are very sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during this most difficult time.

GINGER MUNNERLYN

January 19, 2016

I was fortunate to have worked with Ray with the Sumter Artists Guild for several years, as well as, the Gallery of Art. He was a truly gifted artist and will certainly be missed. May the family and community at large keep him in fond memories.

January 19, 2016

I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."

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