Clark David Davenport

He passed away peacefully in the early hours of his 81st birthday on Monday, November 17, 2025, surrounded by his family. Clark was a resident of Mint Hill, North Carolina, and was born on November 17, 1944, in Washington, D.C.

Clark grew up the eldest of seven children in the Washington metropolitan area. He graduated from Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, where he met his wife, Linda, in his senior year. Their love story started with their senior prom. Clark and Linda then graduated together in 1962, and married on June 19, 1965.

From a young age, he dedicated himself to service. In 1960, he began volunteering at the Chillum-Adelphi Volunteer Fire Department Stations 34/44, following in his father’s footsteps.

In 1962, he joined the United States Coast Guard Reserves. During his time in the Coast Guard Reserves, he served as a firefighter instructor.

In 1966, he began his service with the Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department, where he was a firefighter, Arson Investigator, Polygraph Examiner, and Bomb Squad member. Clark’s favorite role as a firefighter was that of “Tiller Driver” on the hook-and-ladder trucks. Ultimately, Sergeant Davenport retired from Prince George’s in 1986 after twenty years of service.

After relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina, he continued his investigative career with Aetna and Travelers Insurance companies and Unified Investigations and Sciences Inc. He was a long-time member of the International Association of Arson Investigators.

In his firefighting career, he responded to over eight thousand fires and investigated over three thousand. He testified as an expert witness in fire cause and origin determination approximately one hundred twenty times in District and Circuit Courts of Maryland and the United States Court of Claims.

Clark’s life was defined by being selfless, compassionate, and a master organizer. These qualities guided his work, his faith, and his unwavering commitment to his family and community. He used his skills as a craftsman to help others, continuing traditions passed down from his father and lending his craftsmanship to many organizations.

Clark will be remembered for his numerous contributions to the Mint Hill Historic Village and Barn, where he served as a board member and carpenter, and helped establish the Village Fire Brigade.

Clark invested a large amount of time to Boy Scout Troop 65 in Mint Hill, where the scouts affectionately called him Mr. Coffee. He served as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Quartermaster, Merit Badge Counselor, Eagle Scout Coach, and Religious Award Coach. Clark was a proud member of the Order of the Arrow and a recipient of the prestigious Silver Beaver Award in 2012, the highest honor bestowed upon a Scout leader in Mecklenburg County.

Clark also served Philadelphia Presbyterian Church as an Elder and a Deacon. For thirty-eight years, Clark and Linda met bi-weekly with their small group from the church. It was a treasured cornerstone of their lives.

His heart for service also took him beyond his immediate community. Clark served with the Hurricane Katrina Presbyterian Relief Team in New Orleans, Louisiana. He also worked as a team member on many spirit-filled retreat weekends. Clark was an active participant and leader in the North Carolina Presbyterian Pilgrimage Western Conference. He was blessed to be Rector for Pilgrimage #77.

He was a faithful volunteer with Bright Blessings, delivering birthday gifts to homeless children. Clark gave generously of his time to friends, neighbors, and anyone in need — driving to appointments, offering companionship, and providing steadfast support.

Clark and Linda opened their home for many years as a host family through the American Belarusian Relief Organization (ABRO). Through this program, they welcomed several orphan children and their chaperone into their lives and remained deeply connected with them over the years.

Clark is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Linda Carroll Davenport; his daughter, Lauren Carroll Davenport Modzelewski (James Christopher Modzelewski), and granddaughters Hailey Kathryn and Erin Kathleen Modzelewski; his son, Matthew Clark Davenport, and grandson Clark Dominic Davenport.

Clark is survived by siblings John Davenport, Margaret Crandall, Joan Davenport, and Mary Prince, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine Clark Davenport and David Henry Davenport, his brother David Davenport, and his sister Patricia George.

A celebration of Clark’s life will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Mint Hill, North Carolina. A reception will follow in the church’s Kerr Building, where all are welcome to share stories, memories, and fellowship. All NC Presbyterian Pilgrimage pilgrims are encouraged to wear their crosses in Clark’s honor.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Clark’s memory may consider a memorial contribution to one of the following organizations:

Philadelphia Presbyterian Church Building and Grounds Fund

11501 Bain School Road Mint Hill, NC 28227

Prince George's County Professional Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation, Inc. 3060 Mitchellville Road, Suite 217 Bowie, MD 20716. Donations to this fund support the Colea Benevolent Fund which lends financial support to members of the local fire and EMS community, The Burn Center @ Medstar Washington Hospital Center, and other community outreach programs.

Bright Blessings - This organization provides birthday gifts to homeless children in the Charlotte area.

www.brightblessingsusa.org

Clark’s legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to others will live on through the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.