Travis Donald Smith

Travis had spent the last 70+ years in California and mainly in Visalia.

Travis enlisted in the United States Army for a short time until the war ended and was honorably discharged.

As a young man he worked in the fields picking fruit and cotton on a seasonal basis and later worked in the Richmond, CA shipyards building ships prior to the bread business.

Most people knew or met Travis while he was driving a Bread truck for various bread companies such as Holsum, Sally Ann, Rainbo, Langendorf and Toscana for 35 years. After retiring from the bread business he and his wife, Marjorie purchased the “Loading Chute Bar and Restaurant” in Woodlake, CA where they operated that business for 19 years.

Many people will remember Travis as a comical, gregarious man who loved nothing more than to sit around and talk, tells stories about his life as a boy in Texas while chewing and spitting Favorite or Red Man Chewing tobacco (which he kindly shared with his grandsons at an early age).

One of Travis’s passions was owning and roping off his big sorrel horse “Red” aka “Billy Wahoo Jr.”

Travis had a special bond with his brothers, Thomas Edward, Ralph and Murrell Smith, when they were all together it was evident how much they cared for one another. Thomas Edward and Murrell along with his parents preceded him in death.

Travis married Marjorie Johnson of Delano, CA in May of 1976 and has spent the past 37 years together . Travis is survived by his sons, Donald Smith (Norma), Sam Smith (Charlene), Gino Freselli (Susan), David Freselli (Lisa) and two daughters, Brenda Burnett and Amanda Patton (Dennis).

The many grandchildren of Travis will remember him fondly and lovingly, Amanda Trask, Jason Bailey (Rachele), Kacy Bailey, Joshua and Justin Smith (Jann), Eric Patton (Tekla), Matthew Patton (Apple), Audra, Gino Jr., David and Haley Freselli. Travis is also survived by 14 great grandchildren.

We will all miss his quick wit, the stories and the laughter he shared with us.

Visitation services will be on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave. in Visalia, CA. Funeral services will follow on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 10:30 am also at Miller Memorial Chapel of Visalia. Burial will follow at the Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA. Please join us for a celebration Travis’ life.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue , Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.