Lance Cpl. Travis Michael Nelson, 19, passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2011, in Afghanistan. Mr. Nelson was a native of Orlando, a former resident of Pace for five years and a resident of Bratt for the past eight years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, a member of the Young Marines of Pensacola for four years, a member of the Pace High School NJROTC, and the Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Morris W. Nelson, Daniel Sanspree and his great-grandmother, Gladys Brunson. He is survived by his parents, Scott and Beckie Sanspree Nelson of Bratt; fiancee Madeline Cates of Pace; brother, Daniel and Melissa Nelson of Century; half-brother, Chandler Case of Daphne; two sisters, Jenna Nelson and Kevin McCall of Brewton and Anna Nelson of Bratt; his grandmothers, Ann Sanspree of Atmore and Louise Nelson of Brewton; and a number of aunts and uncles.

Even as a young man, Travis had a deep commitment to serving his
country. Travis Michael Nelson was one-of-a-kind. He was comical and
inquisitive. He was a leader and completely fearless. His excitement
and determination in life was contagious. Travis knew that it was the
simple things in life that mattered most. He possessed it all - every
quality imaginable.Travis love of the outdoors was a passion that grew
into many hours spent on the water fishing, countless hours hunting,
baseball and more fishing. Travis didn’t know how to tie his shoes,
but he knew how to slam a baseball out of the park. Today, because of
the child he was and the young man he grew into, we as a people can be
proud of the duty Travis felt toward his country. Travis is not the
first and will not be the last young life lost while fighting for the
freedoms we as a country take for granted. Let’s not forget the
young men and women’s courage and commitment to defend our great
country and the families and friends left behind.