John Thomas Davenport, Jr

John Thomas “Tommy” Davenport Jr, 87 of Sanford peacefully passed away Thursday January 11, 2018 surrounded by his family. A Memorial service will be held at 3:00pm Saturday at St Luke United Methodist Church. A reception will follow in the Davenport Christian Life Center.

Mr. Davenport was a lifelong resident of Sanford, son of the late John Thomas Davenport Sr and Eunice Adams “Preacher” Davenport. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Gibbs Davenport. Mr. Davenport graduated from Sanford High School and attended UNC Chapel Hill and loved his Tar Heels. He was Chairman and CEO of JT Davenport & Sons, now Core-Mark, a local Wholesale Distributor. He was a lifelong member of St Luke United Methodist Church and a member of the Moffitt-Hoyle-Jones Sunday School Class. He was involved with Boy Scouts of America, Sanford Jaycees, Sanford Elks Lodge, Sanford Rotary Club and a founding member of Lee County YMCA. Mr. Davenport loved his home and community but he was happiest at Oak Island spending time by the ocean.

Mr. Davenport is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jean Cox Davenport; daughters, Troye Davenport, and Toni Davenport Morse (David) of Sanford; sons, John Davenport III, Mark Davenport (Mary) of Sanford, and Paul Davenport of Oak Island; six grandchildren, Sara Hyde (Justin), Christian Davenport (Ashley),  Jack, Sophie, Luke, and Sam Davenport; five great-grandchildren, Kinsey, Lexie, Oliver, Hazel, and Mollie; and his beloved dog “Tinker”.

Memorial contributions can be made to St Luke United Methodist Church, 2916 Wicker St., Sanford, NC 27330.