Julian “Travis” Hagood Harrell, a long-time resident of Pace, Florida, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left his earthly home on April 1, 2025, and at the wonderful age of 91 he entered the holy presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Travis loved his family very much, but he was ready to experience the fullness of Jesus and His promises.

Travis was born in Brewton, Alabama on February 24, 1934, to John Henry Harrell and Amy Mancill Harrell. His early life was filled with various responsibilities but with these, he found opportunities for a little mischief. Faithfully delivering the Brewton Standard newspaper, among many other side jobs, Travis looked for ways to contribute to his family and did it with eagerness and a little bit of fun. He loved learning and personally experienced the value of growing from hard work. Following graduation from TR Miller High School in 1952, Travis joined the United States Air Force (1952-56) and served as a jet mechanic and crew chief on the F-86 Sabre. After being honorably discharged from the USAF he moved back to Brewton, Alabama and met the love of his life, Yvonne Evans.

Travis and Yvonne were married in 1957, and he affectionately called her “Sweetheart” for just about 68 years. They had four children: Kimberly Yvonne, John Richard (wife, Lorie……), Joseph Brian (wife, Iris), and Amy Deanna (husband, Bill). Travis was known as Granddaddy to Sarah Elizabeth and Mac Harrell, Flynn and Tessa Jacobs, and Andrew Slack. He could not have been more devoted and giving to his wife, children, and grandchildren. His first great-grandchild, a girl, who he was already praying for and looking forward to meeting, is expected to arrive in early June.

Travis was hired by Chemstrand (Monsanto) in 1958 where he proudly worked for over 35 years as an electrician, electrical foreman, and was head of the Instrument Training Program. Education was extremely important to Travis. While working at Monsanto, he attended PJC and UWF at night (11 years) and earned a degree in Business Management from UWF in 1977.

Around the time of his graduation from college, Travis’s love of his country motivated him to obtain an age-related waiver and reenlist in the USAFR as a gunner on the AC-130. In January of 1991 the 919 Special Operations Group was activated and deployed. This group soon played a critical role in the liberation of Kuwait in Desert Shield/Storm. Notable distinctions of his service are: The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medals from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. During Travis’s spare time, he taught electrical wiring at Locklin Technical Center (LTC) for many years. He helped wire lights at Pace High School’s football field, the church campgrounds at Bluff Springs, and for anyone else who needed help with electrical services.

Travis was one of the biggest and most loyal fans of Alabama football, “Roll Tide”, before it was trendy. Watching a game with him in the same room was intense but exciting. For many years, he was an active member serving as an elder in The Community of Christ Church in Milton, Florida. To his family, Travis’s legacy will be the importance he placed on his Christian faith and walk with Jesus, his enduring love for his family and country, and a steadfast commitment to finish any job he started with honesty and integrity.