Obituary of Willard Cleveland Davenport

Willard C. Davenport (Butch) Butch Davenport, as known by his friends, left this earthly life to be with his Heavenly Father on June 18, 2013 at the age of 67. He was a Marine in uniform and in heart and considered God, Country, Corps as his strength and life’s foundation. Butch was born in Sylva, NC in 1946 to the parents of Willard and Jolene Davenport and grew up in these western North Carolina Mountains. He graduated from Sylva Webster High School in 1965 and promptly entered active duty in the US Navy as a Corpsman and Hospital man. He served one tour of duty in Viet Nam in this capacity while attached to the 3rd Division Marines. Following his return to the States, he enlisted in the US Marine Corp where he again served a tour of duty in Viet Nam. Here he was awarded the Purple Heart, among other medals, and sustained life altering injuries which continued to follow him throughout his remaining years. Butch married Jean West Davenport in 1968 and they celebrated 44 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife Jean of the home and her mother, Trudy West, one sister, Barbara Whitehead of Ayden NC, one brother, Randall Davenport of Ayden, and one maternal Aunt, Peggy Patterson of Ayden NC. Several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews complete his family. Two nephews, Jason Whitehead and Derek West, follow in Butch’s military steps for which he was most proud. Butch completed 3.5 years of education at Western Carolina University .He was an avid marksman and served over 15 years as a volunteer at Camp Perry Ohio National Matches. He was a skilled gunsmith and most proud of building championship winning rifles. He was a strong supporter of the National Rifle Association and taught marksmanship to numerous Jackson Count youths. Butch worked as a lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, was a co-founder of the Jackson County Shooting Club, a member of the American Legion Post 104, a member of the Masonic Lodge of Dillsboro, a member of the Shriners, and Scottish Rites , and a life member of the DAV. Visitation will be held on June 21, 2013 beginning at 6pm at Appalachian Funeral Home. Services will be at Webster Methodist Church on Saturday, June 22 at 2pm with Reverend Aryn Williams officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at New Hope Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or to any military service organization. Semper Fidelis, dear Marine, you can stand down. Your service to our country is appreciated and now you can rest in peace. .