John Thomas Davenport II

It is with deep sorrow that the family of John Thomas Davenport announces his passing on January 6, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on February 9, 1945, to John and Martha Davenport, of South Carolina, John lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure.

A proud graduate of North Fulton High School in Atlanta, Georgia, John played on their football team, setting the tone for a lifetime of determination and passion. He went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. After graduation, John married, Gail Godfrey, and they were blessed with 57 years of marriage, full of love, joy, and mutual respect. John was a loyal, kind, and funny husband who supported Gail through every chapter of life, always making her laugh and ensuring she felt deeply loved and cherished.

John’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Pilgrim Uniform Rentals and later Pilgrim Dust Control, both of which flourished under his leadership. His work ethic and dedication earned him the respect of colleagues and employees alike. Outside of work, John was an avid duck hunter and big-game fisherman. His hunting trips in Mississippi, where he made lifelong friends, were a constant source of happiness. Many cherished memories were made aboard his sport fishing boat, The Pilgrim, where he won several big-game fishing tournaments.

John was also an active Lifetime Member of the Capital City Club and a former member of the Sea Island Club, enjoying many special moments with family and friends at these prestigious locations.

As a father, John was loving, supportive, and fun. He was a constant source of encouragement to his daughters, Lauren Davenport Imber (Mike) and Kathryn Davenport Drennan (John), always guiding them with wisdom and a sense of humor. He was a good provider, ensuring that his family was well cared for and always making time for laughter-filled moments that created lifelong memories. As a grandfather, John was immensely proud of his granddaughter, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Drennan, and showered her with love and affection.

A man of humor and generosity, John had a gift for making everyone around him smile. He had a deep love for animals, especially dogs.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Davenport, and their two daughters: Lauren Davenport Imber (Mike) of Atlanta, GA and Kathryn Davenport Drennan (John) of Newnan, GA. He was a proud grandfather to Elizabeth Drennan, and leaves behind his sister Martha “Marty” Wallace (John) of Atlanta, GA, and sister-in-law Audrey Wells (Joe) of Savannah, GA, as well as niece, nephew, cousins, and many dear friends. His family and friends will forever treasure the countless happy memories they shared with him, particularly the joyful times spent together in Saint Simons Island, Georgia.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 1:00PM H.M. Patterson’s Oglethorpe Hill with a reception following at Capital City Club Brookhaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John's memory to the Atlanta Humane Society, a cause that was close to his heart. give.atlantahumane.org