Stephen Earl "Steve" Travis

Stephen Earl Travis (Steve), a devoted family man, respected community member, and widely recognized Southeastern Creek genealogical researcher, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, in Auburn, Alabama, just one day shy of his 68th birthday. Born on August 11, 1957 in Orlando, Florida, Steve led a life marked by service, love, and dedication to his family and faith.

The funeral services for Steve Travis will be held on Thursday, August 14th, 2025, at 11:00 AM ET at Colonial Funeral Home, with officiating minister Randy Travis Sr. A committal service will follow at 1:30 PM ET at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, where Steve will be laid to rest with military honors.

Steve is lovingly remembered by his parents, Leo Justice Travis Sr. (Naomi Vermell Roland); wife of 35 years, Christine Travis; their four children, Leah Travis Taylor (Zach), Barrett Travis, Brianna Travis, and Rachel Travis; and his soon-to-be grandchild, Roland Lee Taylor. He also leaves behind a legacy through his siblings, Randy Travis Sr. (Linda), Deborah Travis Brown (Glen), Leo Justice Travis Jr. (Tracey) and his brother and sisters in law, Michael Bell (Marie), Julie Archer (Chris), Barbara Bell, and Amanda Kinkel (Josh). Steve's life was enriched by the love of his nephews and nieces, Randy Keith Travis Jr. (Juanita), Sarah Nicole Marshall, Kayla Marshall Brown (Paul), Tiffany Travis Shore (Marc), Erica Travis Hines (Zach), Stephanie Wiley Austin (Adam), Mikaela Bell, Max Bell, Sarah Phipps, Avery Byrd, and Noah Byrd, along with numerous cousins, extended family members, and friends whose love and dedication to Steve through the years has been monumental. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Phillips "J.P." Travis, his niece, Angela Lynn Travis Gulledge (Nick), and his grandparents, John W. Roland (Rachel Voncile Kennedy) and Phillip Travis (Ida Gray).

A proud veteran, Steve served his country in the U.S. Army before embarking on a career as a maintenance supervisor for Hampton Inn among other hotels. His expertise as an HVAC technician was unparalleled, and his problem-solving skills were admired by all who worked with him.

Steve's Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life. In his early years, he was a missionary for Latin America, always striving to keep the Lord first in his life. His commitment to his faith was evident in his everyday actions and the way he treated others with kindness and respect.

A man of many interests, Steve was passionate about genealogy, dedicating countless hours to researching family histories, especially for the Southeastern Creek Indians. His love for history and heritage was a gift he shared generously, helping others to connect with their roots and understand their lineage.

Steve also found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid bird watcher and caller. His love for music was expressed through his talent for playing the guitar and singing, a hobby that brought him and others great joy.

Steve Travis was a beacon of light and strength to all who knew him. His unwavering love for his family, his faith, and his country will continue to inspire those he has left behind. He had a great passion for life, and for his Native identity and heritage. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of purpose, and brimming with love. Steve's legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of his loved ones and the many lives he touched.