Daniel Alfred Travis

Daniel Alfred Travis, formerly of Hazel Green, Alabama, passed away on October 21, 2019 at the Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care facility.

Daniel was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Travis; grandmother, Mildred "Gram" Towry Travis; uncles, Dale Travis, Harold Towry, and Billy Hill; cousin, Barbara Travis; and his best friend, Robert "Nookie" Hayden, Jr.

Daniel is survived by his aunts, Doris Towry and Joey Crick; his special aunt, Patricia "Pat" Hill; his many cousins, and a host of friends.

Daniel was born with cerebral palsy. He was immediately then placed in foster care with the State of Alabama. As an infant, Daniel was given a chance at life when he was placed with Betty Travis. Betty, a single woman, fought a long legal battle with the Alabama Department of Human Resources to be allowed to adopt Daniel. On February 24, 1983, Daniel officially became Betty's son and his Gram's grandson when his adoption was finalized. His Gram was devoted to Daniel until she passed away in 1992. Daniel also had a foster sister, Lillie F. Grace, who lived many years with the Travis family and whom Daniel dearly loved.

Daniel attended Hazel Green High School until the age of 21 years. He made many friends among the staff and students. He never forgot anyone who interacted with him at HGHS.

Daniel lived with Eddie and Lucille Holden when his mother became a Floyd E."Tut" Fann resident. The Holdens treated Daniel as part of their family. Eddie and "Nookie" took Daniel to worship services at Big Shiloh Baptist Church in Madison. Daniel received Jesus into his life and held onto the promise of eternal healing for his disabled body. Daniel loved Jesus, his family, his church family and friends. He was baptized into Christian fellowship by (the late) Elder Woodrow Kirby, Jr. at Big Shiloh Baptist as Eddie physically supported Daniel.  Deacon Pastor Jeff Jefferson and Elder Kirby, Jr. were an important part of Daniel's life.

Daniel loved visiting with everyone he met. He enjoyed eating chocolate and drinking root beer. Daniel was an Auburn University fan and loved the mascot, "Aubie".

Daniel struggled with physical disabilities from birth; however, he always had a sunny disposition. A last request was for a Smiling Sun icon. Daniel passed away while firmly grasping in his hand his representation of Jesus as Gospel music played quietly in the background.

Daniel's family is grateful to the Holden family and the staffs of Diversicare of Big Springs, Encompass Health-Hospice, HH Hospice Family Care, and Hazel Green Funeral Home. Special thanks belong to Encompass Chaplain Laurel Ward and Hospice Family Care LM Social Worker Cory Samz.

A private family service will be held followed by burial in his family cemetery in Lincoln County,Tennessee.

Donations may be made in Daniel's memory to United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville, 2075 Max Luther Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801