Samuel Benson Davenport, 88, departed this life on Friday, October 2, 2020.  Ben, as he was affectionately known, was born on April 5, 1932, in Cumberland County, Virginia to the late Samuel and Mabel Gray Davenport.

Ben was baptized at an early age at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cumberland.  He later joined Emmanuel Grace Baptist Church and during his later years, he was a faithful member of First Baptist Church East End until his health prevented him from attending services.

Ben joined the United States Air Force and served proudly for 22 years and retired honorably in 1974.  While in the military, Ben did a tour in Vietnam and also did tours in France and Germany.   After his military service, Ben went to work at Hampton Roads Transit, formerly known as PENTRAN, where he retired after years 21years of service.

He married Blanche Gregory Davenport in March, 1956.  From this union, five children were born.  Blanche passed away in 1997 after 41 years of marriage.  After Blanche's death, Ben wed Nancy Cunningham.

Ben enjoyed tinkering, building and fixing things.  He was very skilled with his hands and could fix just about anything.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Blanche, and his sisters, June Cooke and Delma Branch.  He is survived by his sons, Mark G. Davenport (Linda) of Colonial Heights, VA, Angelo Davenport of Brooklyn, New York, Dennis Davenport (Sun) of Seoul, Korea and F. Curtis Davenport (Sonia) of Williamsburg, VA and his daughter, Renee Davenport of Hampton, VA; five granddaughters, Sonya Davenport, Dana Davenport, Felicia Davenport, Jasmine Davenport and Ciera Stewart (Matthew); two great grandchildren, Jaylen and Samya Stewart; one sister, Barbara Davenport, one brother, Royal Oscar Davenport (Gayle) and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

The Davenport family would like to thank Suzette Duhaney and Trecia Wint for caring for our father in his last days.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Samuel B. Davenport to the National Military Family Association https://www.militaryfamily.org/ or any military organization of your choice.

Viewing will be from 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at the funeral home.  Graveside Service will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Hampton Memorial Gardens.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.