GRIFTON | William Roger Davenport, 80, of Grifton, passed away on April 12, 2016, at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, N.C. He was born on December 3, 1935, in Lenoir County, N.C., to John R. and Sybil Davenport. Roger was preceded in death by his first wife of nine months, Audrey Hardison Davenport; his wife of 57 years, Mrs. Phyllis A. Davenport, and his parents. Roger graduated from high school and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country for over four years and was stationed in Germany. After leaving the military, he became co-owner and proprietor of Davenport Supermarket in Deep Run, N.C. from 1958 to 1966. In 1966, he started the Piggly Wiggly in Grifton and ran that until 1984. During the mid 80s, he got involved in the real estate industry and in 1990, he became a business partner in Century 21 The Realty Group until he retired in 2002. During his retirement, he enjoyed part-time employment with Carolina Vinyl in Grifton. Roger is survived by one son, Vern Davenport and wife Julie, of Wake Forest; and one daughter, Deidre Fowler and husband Jeff, of Waxhaw. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Jordan Drumheller and husband Tyler, Devin, Madison, Maggie, Sarah and Riley Davenport, Austin, Eli, M.E., and Jeffrey Fowler; two sisters, Dot Rigsby and husband Morris, of Woodington and Delia Perkins of Virginia, as well as a sister-in-law, Barbara Davenport, of Tennessee. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 16 at 3 p.m. at Grifton United Methodist Church, with a visitation following the service. Internment will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Roger's memory to Grifton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 416, Grifton, NC 28530. You may send online condolences to Farmerfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Farmer Funeral Service-Ayden. Sign the guest book at Kinston.com.