Don Wayne Davenport, Sr.

ROCKY MOUNT – Don Wayne Davenport, Sr., age 76, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026.  Born in Washington County, NC on October 15, 1949, he was the son of the late Stephen A. Davenport and Virginia Dare White Davenport.  He was also preceded in death by his brothers, James “Jimmy” Davenport, Teddy “Ted” Davenport, and Reginald “Reggie” Davenport, Sr.

Don was, above all else, a devoted family man.  His greatest joy was his wife, his children, his grandchildren and especially his great-granddaughter, and he often said that he didn’t care what they called him, as long as they called him. Affectionately known as, “Quack Quack,” and “Duck Duck,” names that reflected the warmth, humor, and closeness he shared with those he loved.  Don dedicated his life to service, spending his career in law enforcement beginning as a police dispatcher in Plymouth before joining the Capital Police in Raleigh.  He later served with the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) in the weight division, inspecting commercial motor vehicles while working throughout the state from Charlotte to Elizabeth City, and ultimately retiring in Rocky Mount from North Carolina Highway Patrol.  Beyond his professional life, Don was deeply committed to brotherhood and charity.  A proud Master Mason and longtime member of Corinthian Lodge No. 230, he gave his time generously, whether through fish fries, fundraisers, or quiet acts of service.  He was also a devoted Shriner, named Shriner of the Year in 2025, an honor that meant a great deal to him.  As a Roadrunner, Don faithfully transported children to hospitals for care, and as a Prowler, he helped bring smiles to communities by riding in parades and Shriners events in the small go-karts that delighted children of all ages.  Don lived a life marked by service, laughter, and love, a man whose legacy is found in the lives he touched and the family he cherished so dearly.

Don is survived by his wife of 54 years, Deborah “Debbie” Spear Davenport; his son, Don Wayne Davenport, Jr. and wife, Christian, of Red Oak; his daughter, Machelle Robbins and husband, Douglas, of Red Oak; his grandchildren, Kayla Davenport (Weston Caldwell), Maiya Davenport (James Oglesby), Austin Davenport, Julia Robbins, and Jodi Robbins; his great-granddaughter, Ivy Oglesby; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Don’s life will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Charles Taylor officiating.  Masonic Rites will be observed in the chapel during the service.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

A Committal Service will take place on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Philippi Church of Christ Cemetery, 74 Old Cherry Road, Creswell, NC  27928 with Rev. Edwin Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Don’s memory to Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC  27565.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.