William Travis Harkins

1947 - 2016

William Travis Harkins went to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 28, 2015. Service: 2 p.m. Tuesday at Mayfield Kiser Funeral Home Chapel. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to a rescue shelter at www.marsrescue.org. Travis was born Nov. 28, 1947, in Del Rio to Ernest and Doris Harkins. Travis grew up in Sanderson, where he excelled in both academics and sports. In high school, he and his doubles partner went to state. He graduated from The University of Texas where he earned a degree in biology and physical education. Throughout his life, he remained an avid Longhorns supporter. Travis spent several years teaching and coaching. Later, he joined his family in their hog business in Sanderson. Eventually he went to work for Albertsons, where he worked his way up to the manager of the scanning department. He was a loyal employee of Albertsons for 33 years. Generous and loving by nature, he was one of the top plasma donors for Carter Blood Care. Travis never met a stranger and he always had a smile and something witty to share with everyone he came into contact with. If you were having a bad day, you could always count on Travis to cheer you up. He was loved by so many and brought joy to those in his life. Travis loved his family and his dogs, Cash and Taco, and his cat, Lizzie. Travis was predeceased by his twin brother, Harry; his father, Ernest Harkins; grandparents, Jessie and Carl Cochran and Ernest Harkins Sr. and Della Mae Harkins. Survivors: He is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary; son, Chad, both of Fort Worth; mother, Doris Harkins; sister, Nancy Pusley and husband, Mack; niece, Jenny Hale and husband, Tim, all of Del Rio; and niece, Hailey Kemp and husband, Jason, of Pflugerville. He is also survived by numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and many cousins.