Former four-term McMinnville Mayor and decorated Vietnam War veteran Royce Davenport died Tuesday morning at his home. He was 66.
Davenport served four terms as McMinnville mayor and was a driving force behind a number of influential city projects. He was mayor during downtown revitalization, during construction of Gilley Pool, and when projects like the Farmers Market pavilion and Barren Fork Greenway were completed.
“He was a person who made things happen,” said current McMinnville Mayor Jimmy Haley, who served with Davenport as an alderman for six years. “So many things came to fruition while he was mayor. Since he’s been sick and kind of stepped back over the past year, I’ve really missed having him around. He proudly served as mayor and really worked to make McMinnville better.”
Davenport was first elected mayor in 1986 and served until 1990. After taking a decade off, he served again from 2000 to 2008. Mayor Norman Rone served between Davenport’s terms and would run against him in 2008.
Rone said, “I thought the world of him. We were always friends even though we were opponents at some times. I can never remember a cross word between us. I am devastated by his death especially because he was so young.”
Davenport was a graduate of McMinnville City High School and the University of Tennessee where he was active in the ROTC program. Following college graduation, Davenport enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served active duty in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and flight instructor. He received the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone and the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. It was his service to his country that led to his death as Davenport was diagnosed with lung cancer due to Agent Orange in July 2013.
Back in the U.S., Davenport flew communications testing radio equipment.
   Davenport came back to his hometown following his military service where he owned and operated two laundromats and several rental properties.
   As mayor, Davenport was instrumental in starting the McMinnville Public Safety Unit (PSU), as well as other programs aimed at keeping citizens safe.
   “Royce was very instrumental in bringing the state-of-the-art severe weather warning system to the Civic Center. He also served on the 911 Board. It took a man like Royce to push through the warning system.” said Alderman Billy Wood who served with Davenport on the city board. “We lost a good person and a wonderful man. Royce Davenport made a lot of great contributions to the city.”
    Patti Nunley served as vice mayor under Davenport. She said, “I admired him a great deal. He was an excellent mayor. He worked hard at it. He had the interest of the city first at all times. Personally, it was a pleasure to work with him.”
     Jim Carden attended First Baptist Church with Davenport. Carden said, “He was a fine Christian man who lived by his faith and beliefs every day.”
   Davenport is survived by his wife, Patti, two children and two grandchildren.
   Full obituary information for Mr. Davenport is on page 2-A.