John Willie Travis

A funeral service celebrating the life of John Willie Travis, age 101, of Fayetteville, TN will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at St. Paul AME Church of Fayetteville with Pastor Andre Washington officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 1 hour prior to the service.

John Travis was born on November 19, 1924, in the quaint town of Kelso, Tennessee. John was a man whose life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and love.

John was the beloved son of Edna Lee (Carter) Travis and John Luther Travis, both of whom predeceased him. He was also preceded in death by his cherished wife, Willie Lou (Edmonson) Travis, to whom he was devotedly married for 67 years until her passing in December 2020, his sister Mamie Lee Carter Green, and his brother Carter Travis. Together, John and Willie Lou built a life filled with joy and nurturing, forming a family that was the center of John’s world.

He is survived by his children, Stanley (Jocelyn) Travis and Dee Dee (Leonard Moore) Travis.  He will be dearly missed, loved and remembered by his grandson, Shea (Danielle) Travis, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and special friends.

John spent his early years in the rural landscapes of Kelso, Tennessee helping take care of the family farm and working odd jobs before serving his country with honor in the United States Army. Upon returning home, John devoted himself to supporting his parents on the family farm and later obtained a job at Dale & Reese Hardware Store, where he worked as a retail clerk. After the hardware store closed permanently, he worked as a custodian at The Peoples Bank of Elk Valley. His most significant and fulfilling role, however, was as a full-time caregiver to his beloved wife, Willie Lou, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and love.  He often quoted his wedding vows – “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.”

A man of deep faith, John was an active member of Lucy Memorial Church, Kelso, TN and St. Paul AME Church, Fayetteville, TN, where he found community and spiritual nourishment. His love for the outdoors was evident in the meticulous care he gave to his garden, a hobby that brought him great joy and tranquility.

As we bid farewell to John Travis, we celebrate a life rich with love, service, and kindness. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his memory will forever be etched in our hearts.

Higgins Funeral Home is privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of John Willie Travis.