Junius Davenport Jr., aka “Butz,” “Butsy,” “Dav,” “Hero,” “Mr.D,” and “The Godfather,” died on Nov. 14, in Los Angeles. He was 96 years old.
Junius was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sept. 3, 1928. He attended Albert Wicker Elementary School, Booker T. Washington High School, Southern University, and Straight Business School.
Later, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was stationed at Camp Pendleton Marine Base, near San Diego, CA. This is when he fell in love with Southern California and decided that one day he would move his family from New Orleans to Los Angeles.
After his discharge from the Marines, he returned to New Orleans where he was hired as a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office. In 1956, a requested transfer to Los Angeles finally came through, and he was able to realize his California dream.
He moved his wife, Dorothy and daughter, Calanthia to Los Angeles. In September 1957, a son, Ronnie was born.
Junius was an active member of Transfiguration Catholic Church where he served as a faithful usher for many years. He was also a member of the Transfiguration and St. Bernadette’s Senior groups, and the Crescent City Lodge, a men’s social club founded by New Orleans transplants. This club frequently held fundraisers for various causes in the community.
In the Leimert Park neighborhood, Junius was also known as the “McDonald’s Czar,” since he was instrumental in bringing together a group of men that regularly discussed and debated all topics in the dining room of the McDonald’s restaurant at 43rd Street and Crenshaw Blvd. That group still meets to this day.
The majority of Junius’ post office years were spent at the Hollywood Station on Wilcox Ave. His route was the Hollywood “Walk of Fame.” Over the years, he received many commendations. One of them was from the actress Joan Crawford.
In 1987, Junius retired from the post office after 33 years of service. His retirement was spent socializing with his many friends, watching sports, going on short trips to Las Vegas, the California casinos, and enjoying his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death, by his mother, Theresa, and father, Junius Sr.
Cherishing his memory are his wife, Dorothy; sons, Cyril and Ronnie; daughter, Calanthia; grandchildren, Sean, Charron, Jordyn, Jason, Trevor, and Trent; great-granddaughter, Devin, and great-grandson, Nicholas.
A private service and interment were held on Nov. 22 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, CA.
