Dr. William R. “Randy” Davenport
William Randolph Davenport was born on Dec 8, 1925 and left this earthly life on February 10, 2021. He is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Randy was born in Pineville, Missouri to Jesse Mitchell and Helene Vail Davenport. The fifth of six children, Randy grew up on a farm in rural southwest Missouri, where he learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and love of family. Those early life lessons served him well, as he went on to accomplish much during his life.
Randy enlisted in the Navy near the end of WWII, and was sent for naval training at the University of Louisville where he completed his bachelor’s degree in chemistry at University of Louisville. It was at U of L that he met his wife of 73 years, Janet Chambers. He went on to earn his master’s and doctorate of Education at the University of Arkansas. After working as a teacher and principal in the public schools, he was a professor of education at both Butler University and the University of Michigan, Flint, serving as chairman of the department. In 1969, he became President of Campbellsville College (University), in Campbellsville, KY, serving in that position until his retirement in 1988.
Randy was passionate about the Gideon Ministry that provides scripture placement in the United States and internationally. He held many positions in this organization, serving as International President for several years. Baptist by denomination and a member of Campbellsville Baptist Church, Randy served in many capacities, including serving as choir director, Sunday school teacher and deacon. His singular goal was to serve the Lord and find opportunities to show Jesus to others.
In public, Randy held many leadership positions in various organizations. At home, he was a kind and gentle father, loving husband, and caring grandfather, who had the time to answer questions, listen to concerns, or tell stories. He loved music, books, and poetry. Until his final days, he could still quote entire poems he had learned in his childhood.
Randy is survived by his wife, Janet, and his children Liz Wilson(Bill), Martin (Sue), Mary and Susan; his 7 grand-children BJ, Jon, Mike Wilson; Ben Stewart (Shannon), Jenny Davenport, Abbie Stovall (Daniel), Julie Davenport; 3 great-grandchildren Noah Stewart, Braeden Stewart, William Stovall; and Kim Byram. He was Uncle Randy to many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters: Melvin Davenport, Lawrence Davenport, Joe Davenport, Louise Dill and Jessie Atkinson
Deep gratitude from the family to all that loved and cared for him over the past several years: Louise, Rita, Josh, Mary, Patricia, Debbie, Margaret, Lindsey, and Hosparus Health of Green River.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts of Gideon Bibles or donations to Campbellsville University.
Services will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ransdell Chapel on the campus of Campbellsville University. Visitation will be prior to the service at beginning at 1:00.
