Mike Travis, 80, IP retiree loved Georgia football
January 13, 2022
Mike Travis of DeBordieu died Jan. 5 at his home, cared for by his wife of 52 years. He was 80.
The family said they were grateful to have spent Christmas with him before his illness progressed.
He was born June 15, 1941, and grew up in Whitwell, Tenn., and later attended the Baylor School in Chattanooga. He then enjoyed some of his greatest years at the University of Georgia, where he loved being a member of the Chi Phi fraternity, made life-long friends and had the nickname, “Babe.”
In 1969, Mike married Cecelia Burns, and they raised two children in various cities, including Basking Ridge, N.J.. and St. Louis before settling in Atlanta.
As patriarch of the family, Mr. Travis planned rafting trips on the Chattahoochee, football games in Athens to see his beloved Bulldogs, boating adventures on Lakes Lanier and Hartwell, and beach trips to Destin.
Known for telling funny stories and playing an occasional practical joke,
Mr. Travis and his family shared a lot of laughter. He was thrilled when his son followed in his footsteps of being a Chi Phi at Georgia, and spent many Saturday mornings tailgating in front of the Chi Phi house.
Mr. Travis’s drive, intellect and sense of humor were assets in the business world. He enjoyed a long, successful tenure at International Paper Co., moving up the ranks from salesman to manager of national accounts for the container board division.
He loved to advise and mentor others, and enjoyed seeing his sales team thrive and develop under his tutelage.
Mrs. Travis was supportive of Mr. Travis and his career and helped smooth the transitions to numerous cities during his time with IP.
Their final and greatest move of all came in 1998, when the couple moved to DeBordieu, where they enjoyed many friendships. Mr. Travis loved gathering with friends at the beach, playing golf, fishing and sitting on his porch. He served on the board of the DeBordieu Club, a place special to his family.
Known as “Pops” to his grandchildren, he enjoyed playfully teasing them, taking them on golf cart rides, and watching football with them.
In addition to his wife of 52 years, he is survived by his daughter, Hallie (Kipp); his son, Britt; and four grandchildren, Caroline and Harrison Banker of Charlotte and Rankin and Burns Travis of Charleston.
His family thanked their friends at DeBordieu, All Saints Church and Amedisys Hospice for their support.
A small, private memorial service will be held at a later date.
There is a guest book at mayerfuneralhome.com.
