Ronald Edmond Davenport, age 88, of Russellville, departed this life on Monday, February 23, 2026, at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Little Rock.  He was born January 27, 1938, in Evergreen Park, Chicago, Illinois to the late Linus and Juanita Davenport.

Following the family's moves from Texas, Missouri, and Kansas, the Davenport family settled in Mesa, Arizona where Ron graduated from high school.  After high school he worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Idaho for six months and later joined the U.S. Army.  He was sent to Ft. Ord, California and then to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina for Basic Training.  He trained for Jump School at Ft. Benning, Georgia.  He was transferred to the 77th Special Forces at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and was sent to Bad Tolz, Germany and on to Berlin, Germany with the Green Berets.

After returning to the United States, he was honorably discharged from the Army, and he returned to Arizona to enroll at Arizona State University where he completed a bachelor's degree in Geology in 1962 followed by a master's degree in Geology from the University of Arizona in 1963.  He worked in the oil business in California, Texas and Louisiana. In Shreveport, Louisiana he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Sumrall.  They met while taking bridge lessons at their apartment complex.  They were bridge partners at the first lesson. Later they married at Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana.  They welcomed their first child, Thomas Hudson, in Shreveport.  The Davenports left Louisiana in a VW with their luggage on top of the car for the move to Corvallis, Oregon.  Ron received a PhD in Geology from Oregon State University in 1970.   They returned to Louisiana where Ron taught Geology classes at Louisiana Tech University for 26 years.  Sally Anne was born during this time.  Ron and Libby were members of Trinity United Methodist Church.  Ron volunteered with a group of carpenters on four Habitat for Humanity houses during his years in Ruston.  He joined a group of Trinity Methodist volunteers on a mission trip to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska for an extended building project.  His carpentry skills added beautiful additions to all of the family homes.  He earned a Black Belt in Taekwondo in Ruston.

Following his retirement in 1996 Ron and Libby moved to Sheridan, Wyoming where they purchased and remodeled a 1915 house. Ron enjoyed elk and deer hunting, ice fishing, cross country skiing, and camping in many national parks.  Camping trips to Maine and later to Alaska with Ron's sister and husband were enjoyed.

After visiting many towns in Arkansas in their camper, the Davenports chose Russellville as their new home.  Ron was a member of Russellville First United Methodist Church and a long-time former member of the River Valley Gun Club. Ron enjoyed working wood while living in Russellville.  Bowls and rolling pins were made for each member of the extended family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth; two brothers, Lionel and Philip Davenport.

Survivors include his children, Thomas (Priscilla) Davenport of Sheridan, and Sally Anne (Scott) Spillane of Athens, Georgia; grandchildren, Corey Davenport (Laurel), Alex Davenport (Kylie), and Maggie Elizabeth Spillane; great-grandchildren, William and Monroe Davenport, and Lee Thomas Davenport; sister, Kay Langford (Doug) of Danta Maria, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Russellville First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Tony Griffin officiating under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. A private burial for the family will be at the family plot in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston, Louisiana.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Manna House, a ministry of the First United Methodist Church, 304 South Commerce Ave., Russellville, Arkansas 72801.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com .