Phillip Douglas Davenport, Coast Guard veteran
Phillip “Phil” Douglas Davenport, 81, of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully in his home Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. He was born Oct. 9, 1943, in Elizabeth City, N.C., to the late Howard F. Davenport and Wilma Godfrey Davenport.
After high school, Phil joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was deployed to the USCGC Westwind, where he traveled to several continents. Upon his return to Elizabeth City, he married the love of his life, Ann Berry Davenport, and they had one son, Paul B. Davenport. Phil and his family lived in Richmond, Va., for over 20 years, where he made a career in hotel management. Each summer, Phil, Ann, and Paul traveled to their home in Dewey Beach, where they made lifelong friends and memories.
After Ann died in 2001, Phil moved to Dewey Beach full time. He volunteered to help his neighborhood, including leading the Bayside Court HOA for several years. Often, he could be found on his rooftop deck with his canine companions, toasting Ann and other loved ones, and watching the beautiful sunset.
In 2024, Phil moved to Roanoke, Va., to be close to his son and family. He spent the last year with his faithful dog, Walter, enjoying the mountain views and often sharing a gin cocktail with a neighbor.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Berry Davenport; parents, Howard and Wilma; his beloved Aunt Mildred Downes; and his siblings, Nancy Madre, Barbara Wrenn, Frank L. Davenport and James T. Davenport.
Phil is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Heather Davenport; grandchildren, Cameron and Lauren Davenport, and Carter and Lena Shepardson; sister, Mary D. Holmes; and brothers, William H. Davenport, Johnny R. Davenport and Steve C. Davenport.
A special thank you to Anesa Vugdalic for caring for Phil over the last few months.
A service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, at Beach River Funeral Home Chapel, 310 E. Grice St., Elizabeth City, N.C. The family will receive friends before the service at 10 a.m. A private interment at The Berry Mausoleum, West Lawn Cemetery will immediately follow the service.
