Raphael Travis Sr., affectionately known as “Rap”, “Trav”, and “Travis” made his transition on January 20, 2014 in Knoxville, TN at a vibrant 64 years old.  Raphael was born in 1949 in Alcoa, TN and lived there as a young child before moving to Hempstead, NY 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 he met and married Theano (Morgan) Merriweather. While getting used to life as a husband and father to his new family, he attended college at New York Institute of Technology (NY Tech). At this point, Raphael also began to enjoy honing his skills as a union carpenter, eventually becoming a “master craftsman.” He could literally make anything – bookcases, tables, entertainment units, really any type of wood furnishing.

Raphael began his 30-plus year professional life with Nassau Downs Off-Track Betting (OTB). Initially, he began in OTB’s maintenance department cleaning offices, while still perfecting his carpentry skills. He impressively worked his way up to retire as Head Carpenter overseeing all construction and maintenance projects for the multiple branch locations throughout Nassau County in New York.

As a bedrock of his life, stemming from experience as a Communication Arts major at NY Tech, Raphael was avid reader and skilled writer. Earlier in life he said “his greatest want was to become a radio personality.” He filled his homes with an inspirational collection of books and he wrote often, including a regular column in a New York community newspaper called “Clinker.” Raphael’s writings were imbued with an unwavering sense of community and the spirit of social justice. During this time, he also cultivated his pastimes of reading, sports, writing, music, and a commitment to lifelong friendships.

He retired in 2005, 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. Until the end, Raphael stayed in communication with his incredible friends, in Tennessee, in New York, in Georgia, and ultimately all around the United States.

Since early in life, the strength he built in mind and body, the friendships he cultivated, the desire to always give over 100%, and the importance he placed on family, helped him tremendously with his later life challenges with Multiple Myeloma. Even in the most difficult times, he continued to live, laugh and love.

Raphael’s own words showcase his own ardent, introspective, and enduring views on life:

To start this, how long I live is dependent on the eternal. For what is found beyond my existence is forever profound. The world may not know me now, but what is beyond is everlasting… I’m forever serious about my people’s existence on this earth; we have been dealt a horrible hand, be we refuse to throw it in, there is still a chance.

Raphael Travis, Sr. 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 the most amazing friends ever. 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. Thank you.