Marvin T. Travis was born on June 7, 1932. He grew up in Atlanta, GA, spending some childhood years in Johnson City, Tennessee. His mother was a schoolteacher, and his father was a business man and insurance agent.
Marvin attended Emory University where he met his bride to be, Judith Ann Morris. He majored in economics and minored in theology. He joined the Air Force ROTC program while at Emory, and upon graduation, was awarded a commission as a Second Lieutenant. Marvin and Judy were married in 1955. Marvin went on to serve a 23 year career with the USAF, which included tours in Germany, the Pentagon, and Southeast Asia, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal.
While in the Air Force, he was sent to Arizona State University to obtain a Master’s degree, becoming the first student in their MBA program to graduate with a 4.0 GPA. Toward the end of his Air Force career, he earned his Doctor of Public Administration and began teaching as an adjunct professor for the University of Tampa.
He ultimately achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After retiring from the United States Air Force,he served for a period as the Director of The American Cancer Society’s Tampa affiliate. He then began teaching full time for Saint Leo University where he was later tenured as a full professor. He developed the Master’s program there, becoming the Dean of the College of Business Administration.
Marvin was an accomplished painter and musician and he served in various roles in service of the church -even providing Sunday sermons in the regular pastor’s absence. He remained close to the members of his church Youth Group in Atlanta until his passing.
Marvin and Judy were happily married for 71 years. They both loved animals and nature which they enjoyed at their rustic home which he designed on Lake Crescent in Odessa. Marvin was a devoted and loving father and grandfather.
Marvin was preceded in death by his father, T. Thomas Travis and his mother Esther Sutherland Travis. He is survived by his wife, Judith Morris Travis, his daughter, Karen Travis Stover (Michael), his son, David T. Travis (Lisa), and four grandchildren : Jillian X Stover, Thomas M Travis, Jennifer Lee (Travis) Cooper, and Allyson A Travis.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The St Francis Society or the Humane Society would be appreciated.
