Maj. Harold "Bud" Augustus Davenport III

Harold “Bud” Augustus Davenport III, age 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. He was the devoted husband of Ginger, loving father of John and David, proud "Buddy" and Granddad to his five grandchildren, cherished uncle, beloved friend to many, and a faithful Christian.

He was born on May 6, 1933, in Berkeley, California to Harold Augustus and Calista May Frampton Davenport. Bud and his sisters, Dorothy and Shirley, (who coined his nickname) had a wonderful life growing up around the world with time spent across the US, Germany, and Peking, China. He was the quarterback of his high school football team and graduated second in his class from Berlin American High School in Germany. In 1958, he graduated from the United States Military Academy with a degree in Military Engineering and received his commission.

On July 11, 1958, he married Virginia Anne "Ginger" Chapman, the love of his life, at the Post Chapel at Fort Sam Houston. Together, Bud and Ginger recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.

Bud loved airplanes. One of his favorite stories was asking Ginger if she wanted to go watch the airplanes land and, to her surprise, he actually meant watching the airplanes land. It was one of the many little things that made him happiest.

Bud proudly served more than 21 years in the United States Air Force in a variety of roles. After completing flight training in Texas and earning his pilot wings in 1960, he served as a B-47 co-pilot, a B-52 navigator, an O-1E Forward Air Controller in Vietnam, and later trained new pilots as a T-37 instructor at Randolph Air Force Base. He went on to serve as MEPS Commander in Charlotte, with the 357th Strategic Air Command at Kadena Air Base, and concluded his military career in 1979 at Blytheville Air Force Base. His distinguished service earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, 13 Air Medals, and many other honors. During his service, he flew 471 combat hours.

The second part of his career was spent as a math teacher at Connell Middle School in the San Antonio School District, where he taught for 17 years. He loved working with his students and enjoyed serving as the golf coach for several years. Buddy was also a man who freely gave his time to serve others. He loved his years as his son’s baseball coach at Northeast Little League and as Scoutmaster for Troop 444. At First Presbyterian Church, he served as an usher, Deacon, and Co-President of Keys. He also served as a Board member for Urban Ministries and Fairweather Lodge, and as Vice President of Chapter 4 of the Sons of the American Revolution.

The final chapter of Bud and Ginger's life was filled with family, friendship, and travel. Together they explored the world, especially enjoying West Point Class of 1958 reunions in Germany and Russia, scenic drives through Maine and Vancouver, adventures in New Zealand, swimming at the Great Barrier Reef, and many other memorable destinations. Bud also enjoyed fishing and golf throughout his life. His last few years were especially happy at The Towers, where he and Ginger reconnected with old friends, enjoyed bingo, happy hours, and the warm community around them. Above all else, Bud treasured time with his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. His warm smile, sense of humor, his remarkable ability to make people love him will be deeply missed. Peace be with him now and forever more.