John Charles Davenport, 92, longtime resident of Pinson Farm Road, Belton, S.C., passed away Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at the Manor House at the Maples in Honea Path, S.C. Born in Anderson County on May 21, 1930, he was the last surviving child of the late Roy Richard Davenport and Mary Herbert Davenport. He spent his childhood years in Pelzer and his high school years in Belton, where he graduated from Belton High School. He served as a chaplain's assistant in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Saudi Arabia. He had a long career as a sales agent with Pilot Life Insurance (later, Jefferson-Pilot). In addition, he served as minister of music at three churches: Shiloh Baptist in Anderson, Eastview Baptist in Belton, and Columbia Baptist in Honea Path, where he retired after sixteen years of service in 2007. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Belton, where he was a former deacon, sanctuary choir member, and senior adult choir member. As a young boy, he often sang on a live radio show with his family. Later, as a gifted baritone, he counted it a privilege to sing for weddings, funerals and church meetings. In his later years, he seldom missed the opportunity to sing "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You" for family and friends - or even for people he had just met. Until his final days, his voice was the gift through which he touched the hearts of others. He was married for 58 years to Minnie Ruth Jones Davenport, who preceded him in death in 2014. He is survived by his daughters, Debbie Davenport Blume of Williamston and Beth Davenport McGee of Iva, and their husbands, Butch Blume and Shawn McGee. He was affectionately known as Poppie to his five grandchildren: Katie Blume Moody (Josh), Amy Blume Grubbs (Ryan), Reid McGee (Cyndi), Kyle McGee (Amanda), and Meghan McGee Pinson (Jacob). His great-grandchildren include Jake Moody, Graham Moody, Miller Grubbs, Price Grubbs, Thompson Grubbs, Gracie McGee, Jessie McGee, Vera Leigh McGee, and a great-grandchild to be born in the spring of 2023. Other survivors include his sister-in-law, Joyce Ellison Davenport, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was predeceased by his sisters, Jenny Davenport Garrett and Barbara Davenport Rogers, and his brother, Roy Newton Davenport. A graveside service will be held Monday, January 2, 2023, at 11:00 am at Garden of Memories in Belton with Rev. Nick Kirby and Rev. T. Dale Lynch officiating. The family will gather for a time of visitation following the service. Family members are at their respective homes. The family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers of The Maples in Honea Path and Hospice of the Upstate. Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, S.C., 29621, or Belton First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 366, Belton, S.C., 29627. Events Graveside Monday, January 2, 2023 11:00AM Garden of Memories 151 Garden of Memories Road Belton, SC 29627 Phone: 864-338-1091 Final Resting Place Garden of Memories 151 Garden of Memories Road Belton, SC 29627