Goldie Jim Davenport

Goldie “Sonnie” Jim Davenport, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2024, in Albuquerque. Sonnie was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Davenport; sister, Vicky Nichols; and his parents. He is survived by children through marriage, Michael Morin, Eric Morin and spouse, Jackie, Michelle Gonzales and spouse, James, and Veronica “Ronnie” Roque; nephews, Jeff, and Mark Nichols; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

Sonnie was born in Coffeyville, Kansas to Billie Jim and Frances Davenport, on June 29th, 1944. He and his sister, Vicky, grew up helping with their family-owned bakery. When the family moved to Albuquerque, NM they owned and operated an Exxon gas station for a decade. 

Sonnie married the love of his life, Beverley Vitalie, on June 29th, 1974, in Albuquerque, NM, at Temple Baptist Church, “his best birthday present ever.” They continued practicing their Christian faith until they went to be with the Lord. Sonnie loved Beverley like Christ loved the Church and gave himself to God for her. They continued to worship at the Cavalry Chapel.

Sonnie was a dedicated father through marriage. He made time to attend his stepchildren’s school sporting and extracurricular events, as well as his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren’s sporting and extracurricular activities. He was always proud of everything they achieved and loved having bragging rights to tell anyone who would listen.

Sonnie was a decorated Navy Vietnam Veteran and continued to honor his country by being an active member of the National Guard. He continued to serve his community until retirement as a city security officer, one of the places being the Rio Grande Zoo. 

Sonnie served his community through charity and contributions to Joy Junction and the SPCA. He joined the APD Police Academy to become part of the police reserve, actively assisting from 1990 to 1994.

Sonnie’s love for the Kansas City Chiefs is unmatched and he loved to talk sports!

Sonnie loved animals, especially dogs. He was a proud dog dad to Cooper the beagle. He loved classic cars and Harley Davidson Motorcycles and rode with Calvary Chapel’s motorcycle club. He enjoyed jamming to some good ol’ rock n’ roll and jazz. He tolerated going to the Opera with Beverly, because it was what she loved, and she was what he loved.

Sonnie loved his wife, family, sports, riding fast in beautiful vehicles, music, animals, and the Lord. John 14:1-3 1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.