Forrest Neal Davenport

Forrest Neal Davenport Sr., age 91, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, March 23, 2017 in Lilburn, GA.

Born and raised in Hemp, Georgia on June 19, 1925 to Claude Duvall Davenport and Mary Ann (Forrester) Davenport, he first entered the world of commerce at age nine, growing his own crops on a small section of the family farm and then taking his crops to Atlanta where he sold them at the farmer's market.

Upon turning eighteen, Forrest enlisted in the Army, serving on the immediate staff of General Douglas MacArthur in Australia, the Philippines and Japan. After serving his enlistment in the occupation forces, he returned in 1946 to enroll in the University of Georgia. Forrest graduated in 1949, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve. He was retained by the University of Georgia as the superintendent of the University's Creamery as well as a Dairy Manufacturing instructor from 1950 until 1952 when he was called back to military service as the officer in charge of food services for Moncrief Hospital at Fort Jackson, South Carolina at the break out of the Korean Conflict.

In 1955, Forrest went to work for Atlanta Dairies, soon rising to the positions of Executive Vice President and General Manager, which he held until his retirement in 1992. As one of the country's foremost authority on milk and dairy production, Forrest was instrumental in maintaining a healthy milk supply to the nation's schools and retail stores.

He leaves his wife of 60 years, Shirley Ann (Boggus) Davenport, his son, Forrest Neal Davenport Jr., his five daughters: Frances McBrayer (Allen), Barbara Vassy (Timothy), Patricia Kelly (David), Linda Peck (Andrew), and Cynthia Knox (Robert), fourteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, four sisters: Leota Mae Bryan, Jessie Lorene Shore, Maxie Estelle Davenport, and Ada Ruth Roberson, and three brothers: Charlie Hasson Davenport, Norris Ray Davenport and Kermit Lanier Davenport.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 27, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. David Whitener officiating. Interment will follow in Hemptown Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Timothy Vassy, Matthew Vassy, Kevin McBrayer, David McBrayer, Drew Peck and Nathan Peck. Military Honors will be provided by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Monday, March 27, 2017, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. Flowers will be accepted or you may make a donation in Forrest's name to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.