Raymond E. Davenport Jr.

Raymond E. Davenport June 23, 1944 - September 9, 2025 "And gladly would he learn and gladly teach" was the motto at Illinois State University in 1964.That motto was to become the focus of the life of Raymond E. Davenport, Jr born twenty years earlier on June 23, 1944. The proud parents were Raymond E. Davenport, Sr and Shirley McKenzie Davenport. Ray, as he would be called, was born in Decatur, grew up north of there, and graduated from Maroa-Forsyth High School in 1962. Ray's love of football took him first to Millikin University in Decatur. After two years there he transferred to Illinois State University and graduated in 1968 with a B.S. in Physical Education and a new plan for his life. Following his graduation from ISU he played two years of semi-pro football. In 1975, he received his Master's Degree in Educational Administration. Ray had met and was engaged to Judy L. Peecher, an Elementary Education major who also graduated in 1968. On August 11, 1968, Ray and Judy were married at the Congregational Church in Pittsfield. Both were entering the field of education. Ray was Assistant Principal at the Illinois Soldier and Sailors Children's School while Judy was teaching third grade in Bloomington. The motto was a driving force in their lives for many years. The 1970 school year found the family now with a new baby, Kamela Lee, moving to Pittsfield. Ray would be assigned as Principal in Pearl and Nebo Schools. During his 34 years as an Educational Administrator, Ray guided students in Griggsville, Perry, BONCL, Piper City, and Barry, completing his career in Griggsville-Perry. The family of three grew to be a family of seven with the births of Karin Elizabeth, Christopher Ray, Craig Richard, and Creighton Andrew. During those years, Ray was also a Little League coach, Boy Scout Leader, King Pool manager, Lions Club member, Park Board member, and County Board member. He served as a Deacon and Elder at the Griggsville Christian Church for more than twenty years. Ray was proud of his children and all of the children he worked with during his career. Even in his last stay at Liberty Village he was cared for by former students who called him Mr. Davenport. He enjoyed telling stories of the many experiences during his 34 years in Education. Ray passed away at age 81 on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Liberty Village. Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy. They traveled the USA and the world together by plane, train, and automobile, always ready for another trip. In 2018, they achieved their goal of traveling to all 50 states. Their travels also included Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Ireland, Great Britain and two trips through the Panama Canal. Children are Kamela Lee (Doug) Griesbaum, Karin Elizabeth (Raymond) Hull, Christopher Ray (Christy) Davenport, Craig Richard (Betsy McGee) Davenport, and Creighton Andrew Davenport. Grandchildren, Mallory, Connor, and Aaden Griesbaum, Aubrie and Taigen Hull, Jessey (Craig) Johnson, Seren Davenport, and Gabriel Davenport. Great Grandchildren, Aislynn and Trey Johnson. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond E (Betty) Davenport, Sr. and Shirley Wacaser. In-laws, David and Mabel Peecher. Brothers, Clinton and Jerry Davenport. Sister, Shirley Ann Davenport, and his best buddy - Grandson, Landon Davenport. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with interment to follow the service at West Cemetery in Pittsfield, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, September 19, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to Camp Callahan or Griggsville Christian Church. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond E. Davenport, Jr., please visit our floral store.