Travis Seawright

Born in McAdams, Mississippi to Bennie and Lucille Seawright, Travis grew up in rural Mississippi working on the family cotton farm. His love of agriculture and education lead him to Mississippi State University, where is received B.S. degrees in both physical education and agriculture. Later, he received his Masters in Agriculture Extension Education from University of Florida.

Travis taught agriculture and was FFA advisor in Carrollton, MS and later at Southeast High School in Bradenton, FL. In 1975, he accepted a position with University of Florida Extension Service as Manatee County Livestock Agent. He spent a fulfilling professional career working with local and state cattlemen, farmers, and conservationist as well as 4-H and FFA youth, retiring after 30 years in 2005.

As an expert in livestock and farming, he dedicated not only his professional time but much of his personal time serving on numerous governmental and community based planning committees throughout Manatee County. His commitment to agriculture and youth education lead to state and local recognition for his service. During his 30 years of service in agriculture, Travis was recognized in various ways, including nationally when he received the Distinguished Service Award for Excellence in Extension Education Programs, by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 2000. On the local level, he was the first recipient of the Manatee County Employee of the Year in 1985 and he was named Agriculturalist of the Year in 2002 by the Bradenton Kiwanis Club during Farm City Week celebrations. Because of this local award, he was named to the Manatee County Agriculture Museum’s Hall of Fame. Even with these recognitions, his most rewarding accomplishments were with the coaching of FFA and 4-H youth in activities surrounding soil and land judging competitions.

As a hobby, Travis was a licensed glider pilot and enjoyed soaring through the clouds above Arcadia and central Florida. He always said when he was flying in a glider with only the sound of the wind over the wings, he felt closest to God.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy and three children; son, Gene Seawright of Myakka City, daughter Doreen and husband Mike Lowe of Parrish, daughter Michelle and husband Lee Higdon of Clemson, SC; his seven grandchildren: Ben, Quill, Guy, Gail, Rachael, Jacob and Katie; his cousins Lela Calhoun and Mary Nichols; his uncles Harry Black and Wayne Black and his family; and Aunt Helen Smith and her family.

Travis is preceded in death by his parents Bennie and Lucille Seawright; as well as former wife Susan Sanders Seawright.

Visitation will take place at Groover Funeral Home in Ellenton, FL on Friday, January 22 from 4 – 7 pm and services will be held at First Baptist Church of Parrish in Parrish, FL on Saturday, January 23 starting at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Manatee River Fair Association, with designation for Youth Livestock Program Seawright Scholarship, 1402 14th Ave. West, Palmetto, FL 34221.