Jesse 'Snuff' JR Traylor

Jessie J. Traylor, 72, was born April 28, 1950 to Jessie L. Traylor and Lena Mae (Wright) Traylor, in LaGrange, GA. Jessie departed this life on July 23, 2022, at his home after an extended illness. Jessie’s family and friends knew Jessie as “Snuff.”

Jessie Traylor was a graduate of the 1969 class from Riverside High School in Chattanooga, TN. Where Jessie played football and basketball. Jessie’s high school Riverside Mighty Trojans Basketball team would go on to win back-to-back state championship titles.

Jessie Traylor also attended Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he graduated with a B.A. of Education. Jessie played basketball for ORU where their team would go to play in the NCAA basketball tournament.

Jessie thought of his basketball teammates from high school and college as his brothers; especially Larry Baker, Sr, Jesse (Bubba) Hollingsworth, Richard Fuqua, Greg Davis, Ron Odom (Rollover), Johnny Lawrence, Otis McGhee.

Jessie had worked for ORU, as a teacher in Chattanooga, TN, a counselor, basketball recruiter for colleges and he was an entrepreneur.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, plus his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Jessie was survived by his devoted, and loving companion, Janice Hudgins-Bivens; his first wife (Sonja M. Johnson) preceded him in death; their children were Jesse “Deante” Traylor, Monica L. Obozele (David), Jason Traylor, Jessie’s with second wife (Carol Davis- Morgan) child was Aqueelah Durham (Sheldon), plus, Jessie thought of Billy Summerrow (Pinkee) as a son; grandchildren are Jakeh Traylor, Joah Traylor, Jensen Traylor, Sonja Traylor, and Sofia Traylor. Others surviving to mourn his loss are his sister, Anne Ruth (Traylor) Woodard of Chattanooga, TN and his brother, Willie James Traylor, Sr. of Chattanooga, TN; devoted nephew, William D. Woodard, Jr. (Angela); as well as a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Jessie was kind person who loved everyone especially his children, grandchildren, relatives, his friends, and plus the city of Chattanooga.

A Visitation for Jesse will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services-Franklin-Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404.

A Celebration of Life service will immediately follow on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Rev. Gerald Spence, Sr., Pastor of First Baptist Church of Ooltewah.

Burial will be at Beautiful Greenwood Cemetery, 1954 Greenwood Road, Chattanooga, TN 37406.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com for the Traylor family.