RAPHAEL TRAVIS Sr.

TRAVIS, RAPHAEL, SR. - age 64, made his transition on January 20, 2014, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was born in 1949 in Alcoa, Tennessee, and lived there as a young child before moving to Hempstead, New York, in his early teens. Hempstead became "home" for the next 40 years. Raphael graduated Hempstead High in 1967 and subsequently served three years as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division in the United States as well as Viet Nam while in the Army. He returned to the United States from Viet Nam and attended college at New York Institute of Technology (NY Tech). During this time, he began his 30-plus year professional life with Nassau Downs Off-Track Betting (OTB), where he retired as head carpenter overseeing all construction and maintenance projects for the multiple branches throughout Nassau County in New York. He retired in 2005 returning to Tennessee, and in his words, "to come home." Once back in the Knoxville area, he was able to solidify connections with his family roots, continue to support and guide his sons, and enjoy the growth of his grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews. Raphael is preceded by his parents, Thomas Howard and Flanders Ivory Travis; and his two brothers, Donald Travis and Lester Von Travis. Survived by sons, Dr. Raphael (Dnika) Travis Jr. and Najee Vonn Travis; grandchildren, Morgan Lynn Elizabeth Travis and Raphael Niko Gatherford Travis III; nieces and nephews, Cynthia (Harold) Franklin, Yolanda (Jeffery) Alexander, Brittany Beatty, Jeff (Kristen) Howard, Jr., Marcus Howard and Keenan Anthony. Raphael is also survived by siblings, Connie Beatty, Wendell Howard, Jeffrey (Charlene) Howard and Aretta Howard. Raphael is also survived by many other dear relatives and friends. All have helped fill his life with treasured memories, endless laughter and never ending smiles. The family also extends our deepest gratitude to the health care professionals who championed for his life and a peaceful transition. Funeral services will be at noon on Saturday, January 25, 2014, at Foothills Funeral Home, 910 Lincoln Rd, Maryville, TN 37804. Viewing at 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Burial to follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Alcoa, TN. Online condolences may be extended at www.forevermissed.com/raphael-travis-sr. www.foothillsfuneralhome.com