Leon Davenport

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Major James Leon Davenport, USA, ret., age 90, of Blairsville, who passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2017 in Union General Hospital in Blairsville, Georgia. Leon was born in Union County, Georgia, on December 9, 1926, to John Prescott Davenport and Ethel Lee Souther Davenport.

Leon and Barbara Hooper Twiggs were united in marriage on September 18, 1953, at the home of the bride's grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. James L. Hooper, Sr., in Hiawassee, Towns County, Georgia. Their marriage has been an inspiration to others both here and abroad. Christ was placed at the head of their family since it's inception. Both Leon and Barbara have been longtime, faithful members of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, as were their parents and several grandparents before them. Leon served faithfully as a Deacon, later as Deacon Emeritus, for many years.

Leon served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. During his distinguished military career, which began in 1944, he rose through the ranks from private to major, receiving a battlefield commission in Korea in 1953. Leon was a member of the famed 24th Infantry Division, "Taro Leaf", the first American unit to see action during the Korean Conflict.

During his military career of 22 years, Leon served 131 months overseas, being stationed in the Philippine Islands (1945), Japan (1945-1950), Korea (1950-1951 and 1952-1953), Germany (1962-1965), and Vietnam (1968-1969). After his first ten years in the Army, Leon returned to Blairsville in 1955, remaining in the U.S. Army Reserves. In 1961 he was recalled to active duty during the Berlin Crisis. He spent eleven more years serving his country. His last overseas assignment was serving as a Military Advisor to a South Vietnamese Regiment.

Toward the end of his service career, Leon was attached to the Office of the Inspector General at Fort Knox, Kentucky. From private to major, he worked through the ranks, serving admirably as a rifleman, tanker, platoon leader, company commander, and as his battalion's executive officer.

During his military career, Leon was awarded three Silver Stars, one Bronze Star with V for Valor, one Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, a Purple Heart, an Air Medal with Nine Oak Leaf clusters, an Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf cluster, an American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan 1945-1950), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with Nine Battle Stars, United Nations Korea Service Medal, Republic of Korea Service Medal, a Vietnamese Order of Gallantry with Silver Star, Vietnamese Service Medal with three Battle Stars, Vietnamese Armor Badge, the U.S. Combat Infantry Badge with one Star and a U.S. Presidential Unit Citation for combat in Korea. General Creighton Abrams, Commander of military operations in the Vietnam War from 1968-1972, in an official evaluation, stated that there were only three words needed to describe Leon Davenport: "A True Warrior". Leon was humbled and honored when the veterans of Union County named the local veterans center in his honor in April 2013.

Upon his retirement from military service in August, 1972, Leon assumed the position of Administrator of Union General Hospital in Blairsville, Georgia. "Mr. D.", as he is still affectionately known by current and former hospital/nursing home staff, remained as administrator of the facility until his retirement in 1993. Leon always gave credit for the growth and success of the facilities to members of the hospital authority, medical staff, and employees.

Leon has been a faithful member of many civic and patriotic organizations, such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Purple Heart Association, the 3rd Infantry Division Association, the 24th Infantry Division Association, the 1st Cavalry Association, the 14th Armored Cavalry Association, and the Retired Officer's Association. He was also a member of Allegheny Lodge #114 F & AM and an active member of the Shriner's organization while stationed in Kentucky.

Surviving Leon is his wife of 63 years, Barbara; daughter and son-in-law, Cayce and David Friedly; and son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Delila Davenport, all of Blairsville.Also surviving are nieces Sydney C. Vandiver, Laurie C. Shelnut, Beth T. Wright, and Barbara C. Twiggs; nephew Matthew Chambers, and great-nephew Carter Wright. Other survivors include: cousins Charles Jenkins, Marilyn J. Thomasson, Kenneth Jenkins, and Patricia J. Chambers, and longtime family friend and caretaker Martha Deavers. Preceding Leon in death were his sister and brother, Vivian Davenport Chambers and Douglas Denmon Davenport, and cousins Ella J. Battle and Ed Jenkins.

Visitation will be held at Cochran Funeral Home on Sunday, January 8, 2017 from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Blairsville First Baptist Church, with Dr. Fred Lodge officiating. Also speaking will be Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris and family friend John Gambino. The following gentlemen have been requested to serve as pallbearers: Billy Decker, Roy Hamby, Jimmy Hooper, Wesley Hopgood, Hoyt Raper, James Kirk Smith, and Terry Wright. Requested to serve as honorary pallbearers are: the "Jesse" Sunday School Class of Blairsville First Baptist Church, Rev. Bethel Buchanan, Bobby Ellis, Joe Gray, Charles Jenkins, Carlton Colwell, Zell Miller, Bud Akins, Kenneth Jenkins, Billy Johnson, D.L. Martin, James Postell, and members of all local veterans associations. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blairsville First Baptist Church, Union General Hospital Auxiliary, or Union County Nursing Home Activities Department.

Leon will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville.