James Raymond Davenport

Mr. James Raymond Davenport, age 87, of Luthersville, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026, at his home.

Raymond was born August 1, 1938 in Troy, Alabama, son of the late James

Frank Davenport and Leona Griffin Davenport. A former resident of LaGrange, he had lived in Luthersville since 1990 and was a member of Luthersville United Methodist Church. He retired as a supervisor after working many years for Wells, Flav-O-Rich, and Barber Dairies and then began a second career as an auto salesman, working for Lukken and retiring from All-Pro Auto Sales.

Raymond had a love for the Dahlia flower which began in childhood. He grew and sold cut Dahlias to earn money for his first bike, and that early joy in tending something beautiful stayed with him throughout his life. As a young adult, you could also find him on the dance floor, gliding through the foxtrot or kicking up energy in the jitterbug. Music followed him everywhere. Dolly Parton was his favorite singer, and her voice was the soundtrack to many of his days. On the TV, it was always a damsel in distress or cowboys squaring off at high noon—classic Westerns that never lost their charm for him. He sang with a true bass voice in the church choir, and you could always pick out his voice.

For years he was a scratch bowler in his league. Competitive and proud, yet always humble about his talent. Raymond lived his life with a rare blend of sharp wit and kindness. He was a walking calculator, he could take a handful of numbers and—within seconds—add them perfectly in his head. But for all his quick math, it was his warmth that added up most clearly to the people who loved him. Little Debbie snack cakes were his favorite, and Waffle House was practically his second home. The workers there greeted him as Papa, just like so many others did. If his wife had allowed it, he would have eaten Waffle House three times a day.

Several years ago, he was diagnosed with macular degeneration. Legally blind in one eye and partially blind in the other, he faced the challenge with quiet resilience. Even as his sight faded, his joy never did. He adored his wife and family, and he could rock a grandbaby to sleep faster than you could say “sweet dreams.”

The last seven months were difficult. Bedridden and unable to regain his

strength, he remained at home—surrounded by love—until he peacefully went to sleep on July 11. Today, he has regained his sight and is strolling over heaven with his mama, daddy, grandparents, and his son, whom he spoke of often in his final weeks. He missed them so much and could not wait to see them again.

To all who knew him as Papa, his legacy is simple: kindness, faith, humor, and a heart big enough to hold everyone close.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Marybeth Davenport of Luthersville;

daughters, Teresa Bryan (Chris) of Luthersville, Lisa Washington (Tate) of Moreland and Kristi Dalton (Edward) of Luthersville, Diedre Rodgers (Greg) of Pine Mountain; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeff Davenport.

The funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 15, at

Luthersville United Methodist Church. The Reverend Winston Skinner will officiate and interment will be in the Luthersville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.,

Wednesday, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Luthersville United Methodist Church, PO Box 279, Luthersville, GA 30251.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mckibbenfuneralhome.com.

Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home of Hogansville is in charge of arrangements.