Gregory Ray Davenport, born August 22, 1954 in Dayton, Ohio, transitioned from earth's sorrow to heaven’s joy Monday, November 9, 2020.
Gregory, affectionately called “Ray”, accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio. Ray graduated from Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio in 1972. After high school, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became an entrepreneur in the heating and air conditioning business. He was also employed at General Motors Corporation for 10 years. He was known for his wit and visions for a variety of skills, including home construction, plumbing, electrical carpentry, and automotive repair. He could do just about anything he put his mind to do. His phone never stopped ringing for requests for help, and he was always willing to do so in many cases at no charge. He loved the challenge of the job and would do whatever it took to figure out the problem and resolve it. He was truly a craftsman at heart.
When it comes to his personal life, we would need to expand the obituary to tell the many stories of “Ray” the man. He was a lover at heart, and transcended this life in the care of a lifelong dear and devoted love Laurita Jones. Ray was one of the first in many areas. As a young man, he enjoyed life immensely as he did it all! From piloting, boating, water skiing, snow skiing, fishing, hunting, and skating to name a few. Ray had a passion for riding his Harley motorcycle and taught many how to navigate the “Big Hog”. He excelled in them all, and taught many how to develop some of the same skills he possessed.
He was a family man and although he had an expanded family, he constantly showed his love and affection for all. He truly loved his children and tried his best to provide the characteristics of strong leadership, independence, and responsibility to his entire family. Ray was a hard worker, and tried to instill his work ethic in his family and all who were willing to follow his leadership. There was never a day off. Whenever he got the call, he was quick to respond, no matter what time of day or night to help someone in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Annie Davenport; brothers, John Howard Davenport, L.C. Davenport; sisters, Annie (Davenport) Peoples, and Margie (Davenport) Sanders.
Ray leaves to cherish his memory, lifelong love, Laurita Jones; sons, Gregory Brodie, Antoine' Hall; daughters, Allison Hall, Heather Rae Davenport, India Clack, Sadia Hayes, and Danielle Jones; loving brother, Jewel (Leona) Davenport of Sharpsburg, GA; sisters, Sharon Davenport Pate of Indianapolis IN, Pamela (Bob) Estelle and Sandra Lewis of Dayton, OH; loving grandchildren, Da’Lexus, Success, Rae, Maycee, and Shyanne Brodie, RyAire, Ryann Scott, Embree Gregg, Keleah Baker, Gregory Clack, Jordan Clack, Samyah Hayes, Sanyah Robinson, Daylan Jones, Rylynn White; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Walk-through visitation will be held 9 am-12 noon Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc., 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave. Private Service.
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