BEECHMONT – James “Howard” Travis, 95, of Beechmont, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 9:25PM at Creekwood Place in Russellville.  Mr. Travis was born May 24, 1926, in Muhlenberg County.  He was a retired coal miner with Peabody Coal Co., Sinclair Coal Mines.  He was also a U.S. Army veteran serving during World War II, and a member of Browder General Baptist Church.  Mules and wagons put a smile on his face.  He worked at a wrangler’s campground until 1989.  He loved his family and spending time with all of his grandchildren.  He was a great-storyteller, especially around the campground at night.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Nealie and Lillie Mae Travis; first wife, Reatha Travis; step-daughters, Sharon Cummings and June Culbertson; sisters, Myrtle Mercer, Lorene Phillips, and Geneva Travis; and step-grandson, Ethan Clark.

He is survived by his wife, Belle Reynolds Travis; sons, Marris (Patsy) Travis of Browder, Neal (Von) Travis of Belton, Mickey (Shirley) Travis of Bremen, Roger (Linda) Travis of Beechmont, and Terry (Norene) Travis of Beechmont; step-son, Buddy Cartwright of Brandenburg; daughter, Linda (Rick) Taylor of Beechmont; step-daughter, Glenda Ferguson of Louisville; numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the family requests that family only attend the visitation and funeral service.  All those in attendance are required to wear face masks.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 11:00AM at Tucker Beechmont Funeral Home, with Bro. Mickey Travis officiating, assisted by Bro. Tom Carroll.  Burial in Union Ridge Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday after 8:00AM at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhome.com.

“My Papaw Howard (my great-grandfather) passed away last night.  Psalms 90:10 says “The days of our years are threescore and ten (70) and by reason of strength they be fourscore (80) . . . so at 95 I’d say he was truly a man of strength not only to our family but to all who knew him.  He was blessed with good health and a sharp mind until his death.  He could tell you every team of mules he ever had, where he got them, who he sold them to, and for how much.  He was full of wisdom and most of our times together was just sitting and listening to him.  He always had a good story tucked away to tell you.  I can’t smell cigar smoke without thinking of all the hours spent in the back of his wagon.  Out of all the memories, one is more special to me than any.  One Sunday morning, at the end of the service, there was the sound of a cane on hardwood floor and slow steps.  It was my Papaw Howard coming to the alter to rededicate his life to the The Lord.  Surrounded by 35+ kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, it was a very powerful and Spiritual moment.  There is no doubt in my mind when he closed his eyes in death, he opened them in Glory.  So thankful for the years we all got to spend with him.  Thank you for sharing the love of horses, mules, and rabbit dogs.  You’ll be missed for sure, but the good memories outweigh the grief.  Love you, Papaw Howard.”