Johnnie Cleo Travis

Mr. Johhnie Cleo Travis, of Sparta, Georgia passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at his residence.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 10:00 AM from the Travis Family Cemetery, Sparta, GA.

Mr. Johnnie Cleo Travis of Sparta, Georgia entered into rest on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at his residence. He was born on January 13, 1931 to the late Oneda and Aaron Travis. At an early age, he learned the meaning of hard work and worked alongside his parents and siblings on the family's land. The Travis Family grew and harvested many fruits and vegetables along with raising many farm animals. Although the crops that were raised was a means of feeding the Travis Family, his love for working in the fields and growing his own crops continued for most of his adult life. He enjoyed working with his hands and being outdoors.

Mr. Travis attended and graduated from Warren High School in Devereux, Georgia. He received his post-secondary education form Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland as he worked towards a bachelor's degree. However, he was drafted into the United States Army; he was unable to complete his collegiate studies at Morehouse College.

Mr. Travis was determined and strong-willed individual. if he set his mind to accomplish a project or if he encountered and obstacle, he persevered until the successful completion of the task. This determination enabled him to move up in the ranks in the United States Army and  graduate from the NCO Academy. Mr. Travis proudly served his country during two military conflicts, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. If you spent any time with him, you knew how much he loved his country and he would share many stories about his experiences and the life of a soldier. He retired as a First Sergeant in 1973 after serving 21 dedicated years. Although Mr. Travis retired, he used the training and experiences gained from the military to live an honorable life. During his military service, he received many awards, notably the Distinguished Bronze Star Award. After retiring from the military, he was employed by the State of Georgia (Department of Juvenile Justice), working as a Correctional Officer at the Youth Development Center in Milledgeville, Georgia for 15 years where he counseled and encouraged those that may have made some bad decisions.

On October 15, 1855, he married the love of his life, the late Marie Latimore Jones Travis. Although, this union did not produce any children, but they loved and cared for many of their nieces, nephews and others as their own. Uncle Johnnie as he was affectionately known, strongly believed in the continuation of the Travis Family Legacy.

Mr. Travis was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Latimore Jones Travis; his parents, Oneda and Aaron Travis; three brothers: Calton Travis, Sr., Calvin Travis, Aaron Travis, Jr.

He leaves behind to cherish fond and loving memories, a devoted and often called "Niece-Daughter", Mary D. Travis Moore; two sisters: Katie Travis, of Sparta, GA, Oneda Travis Terry, of Atlanta, GA; two brothers: Hubank Travis, of Atlanta, GA, Jefferson Travis, of Milledgeville, GA; a trusted friend and craftsman, Thomas "Tee" Trawick, of Milledgeville, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Although, Mr. Johnnie C. Travis is gone from our midst, his memories will forever live in our hearts. 

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