Born April 20th, 1922 in Banks, AR to Chester Dane and Cozy May (Brown) Smith. Travis was named after the National Baseball Hall of Fame shortstop from Waldo, AR, Travis Jackson, who played for the New York Giants. He was the eldest son of seven siblings, Noma Marie Nixon, Rex Smith, Ted Smith, Coy Smith, Cozy Mae Kidwell and Mary McCaskill.
He was a protestant by religion and requested no "sad songs" and no long winded preachers. His written words were; "Be happy I was here, not sorry I am gone. I lived a full life and enjoyed every minute of it". I loved to dance and was called a "Jitter Bug". I liked 1950 and 1960 western music, Johnny Cash, Hank Thompson, The Marine Hymn, and the Colonel Bogey March.
He attended Banks High School, was in the CCC Camp 1940-41, and still carried his blaster certificate in his wallet. He was a retired WW II veteran, serving in the Marines and later in the Navy on the USS Hornet doing several world tours. Encouraged by family, he has written many memoirs about these life experiences, which read like a novel or movie script in their attention to details. He said most people only knew about the battles from TV or books, but not the interactions that happened in-between those short newsworthy stints.
For over 20 years he was the electrician at UAM (A&M) College in Monticello, fixing everything. He never missed a home football game. Having to open and lock up the field, he had the best parking spot ever! His white service truck always parked inside the gate was a fixture at the games.
During this time he met and married Helen Rebecca Cook (Camden-Harmony Grove). They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13th, 2015. They raised four "Smith" kids, Susan Rebecca, Tracasa Michelle (Travis named her for the Asa Smith in each generation), James Jackson, and Deanna Marie.
After retiring from UAM he became a commercial net fisherman, enjoying what he loved best, "fishing". His favorite pastime was catching Crappie with a pole and jig, though. Many pounds of fish where cut up and sold either behind his home at his "fish shed" or at Carson's Store below the square in town. He will always be remembered for frying a mess of fish with his fry daddy almost every day.
He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Cozy May, siblings, Rex Smith and Noma Marie Nixon, his only son, James Jackson Smith and nephew Norman Nixon.
Survivors are his wife of 50 years Helen Smith, three daughters and their families, Susan and Mark Johnson (Emerson, AR), Tracasa and Donavon Cooper (Monticello, AR), and Deanna and Jeff Isacson (Colorado Springs, CO). Four Grandchildren, Steven Cooper (21), Haley Johnson (13), Jackson Johnson (7), Asa Isacson (4). Four siblings and their families, Ted and Hazel Smith(Tinsman, AR), Coy and Jenny Smith(Monticello, AR), Cozy Mae Kidwell(Sulpher Springs, TX), Mary and Buddy McCaskill (Warren, AR) and many nephews and nieces and great grand nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8pm Wednesday September 23rd, 2015 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday September 24th, 2015 at the Smith Family Cemetery in Banks. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(10)
Dan Cush AT2 crew 3
Aspinwall, PA Saturday, November 28, 2020 I am sorry to hear of another shipmate of VP4 at Naha, Okinawa who served the same years as myself.My condolences to the family. I'm sure you are proud of his legacy.
Gail Shelby
Wilmar, AR Thursday, September 24, 2015 Mr. Coy & family, so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed seeing Mr. Smitty at the pool almost daily. He was so faithful to come and exercise, definitely an inspiration to the rest of us. I also had the privilege of typing a lot of his memoir notes for him and enjoyed reading all about his military experiences. He had such a great sense of humor, made me laugh many times as I typed. I even had to go visit him at his "fish" house and now, I'm glad I did. Billy & I will miss him. Sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral, had to work. Monticello lost a good man.Hazel Potts
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 24, 2015 Dear Helen and familyI was sorry to hear of Travis passing He was a fine man He did so much electric work at our dental office. i considered him and you a wonderful friend He will be missed by so many. everyone loved him I am so sorry I am not able to attend any of the services but know my thoughts and prayers are with you Please look to the Lord for your comfort
Hazel and Alan
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Jimmy & Paula Tooke
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 23, 2015 Dear Family: We first met Mr. Travis when Jimmy worked with him at UAM (when we first got married) as a part-time job while finishing his degree. We then got to know him even better as we worked out with him at the rehab center these past several years. He was a joy to know; a delight to talk to; and I thought of him as a "substitute" father (since I lost my own -who also served in the military during WWII- 6 years ago). His body is now healed, and I know he's sharing many a story having been reunited with friends, family, and comrades-in-arms from years past. Rest in peace, Mr. Smitty.Mark Johnson
Emerson, AR Wednesday, September 23, 2015 Thank you Mr. Smith for all sacrifices you made for this great nation. We love you and may you rest in peace.Janice Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Wednesday, September 23, 2015 Helen, Children and the Smith family,I am lifting you all up in prayers as you share in the loss of your dear Travis. May God surround you with his love and give you peace at this time.
With love & sympathy,
Janice Gladden Wiggam
Dane Hall
Bryant, AR Tuesday, September 22, 2015 The Smiths have been neighbors to our family for over 40 years. The pond behind their home belonged neither to them nor to us, but we fished there almost every day in the summer. Many great memories of happy times. I am sorry for your loss.Lelia Davis
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 22, 2015 Ms Helen and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Of all the stories I have been told by family and friends Mr. Travis was a great man. Wish I could have met him, he is highly respected by so many. I know he will be missed by everyone that knew him. May God confort you at this time.velma smith
camden, AR Tuesday, September 22, 2015 Deepest sympathy to you and your family.Sonya Steelman
velma smith
camden, AR Monday, September 21, 2015 Helen thinking of you and your family at this timeLove Always
Velma Smith