Travis Brittain

July 11, 1948 — June 8, 2023

Travis Brittain, 74, of Center, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Garrison. 

Funeral service was held Monday, June 12, 2023, at Center First United Pentecostal Church with visitation preceding services.  Interment was at Cedar Yard Cemetery in Shelby County. 

Travis Brittain was born to T.C. “Pete” and Hazel Baggett Brittain on July 11, 1948, in Center Texas. Travis’ childhood was full of many memories of playing with his sister, Barbara, riding bikes with his friend, Donnie Hagler and spending time with his horses, which he loved. He graduated from Shelbyville High in 1966. After high school, Travis attended Panola College for one year, stating that while there, he learned pretty important life lessons … how to smoke and play cards.

From 1964 to 1968, Travis worked for his dad at Chambers Water Wells. While some will look at working with family as a stressful experience, Travis considered working alongside his dad and cousin, Lewis Harbison as a privilege. Lewis was actually Travis’ all-time hero. He truly loved and treasured the experience. Not long after, Travis moved to Shreveport where he would spend a tenure of 14 years as a truck driver for Missouri Pacific (three years) and TG&Y (11 years). Travis was no stranger to hard work, and his entire life was a testament to that.

Shelby County was touched in innumerable ways by the life and love Travis shared. He owned the EZ Stop for a couple of years where customers became friends. For those who may not know, one of Travis’ most notable contributions was being solely responsible for Blue Bell Ice Cream making its debut in the county. For that, Travis … we all thank you.   

Other than aiding in the introduction of a southern delicacy, Travis added so much quality to the lives of others throughout his lifetime. He never met a stranger whether it was at the EZ Stop or while working for Garland and Mary Martin at Martin’s Muffler Shop, which later he and Sharon would purchase in 2000.

Over the next 18 years, Travis, also known as “Muffler man” or “Mr. Martin,” remained extremely loyal to his customers. So loyal, that he would pass on family vacations and even funerals due to his customers’ needs.

Travis took pride in his work and was a true master at what he did. So good that one of his sons questioned their shop teacher at school and offered for their dad to teach him how to do it right.

One thing was for sure, Travis was going to get the job done, but he was also going to do it his way or not at all. And in his daughter Nikki’s words, “If Daddy can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed.”

The shop was more than a place of business. It was a gathering place, a hangout and a safe space for a variety of faces. No matter what the color of your skin was, your political affiliation, your religion, your past or whatever characteristics you possessed, the minute you walked through the door of his shop, Travis looked at you as a human with value. He made it a daily goal to extend grace, compassion and love to others.

Travis embodied servanthood. Whether at his job or his personal life, he gave selflessly of anything and everything he had. While highly opinionated and at times, brutally honest, Travis was going to take care of people. From fostering children in his young adult life, to when he was very ill at the nursing home, Travis made others a priority. He watched over fellow residents and had no problem standing up on their behalf if he thought they needed different treatment.

Humble and kind, Travis would never admit to the timeless legacy he has left behind; however, we could write a book about the lives of others that are walking testimonies of the grace he gave when no was else was willing.

Travis never gave up on others. It didn’t matter what you did or how far you had strayed in life, he was going to look at you with stern, yet supportive and loving eyes while he encouraged you to find your way back.

If only more people were like Travis, this world would be an amazing and beautiful place.

Travis is survived by his wife of 29 Years, Sharon Brittain.

Children Jamey Brittain and Courtney, Charley Brittain and Kailyn, Nikki Brittain, Jill Jefferson and Keith, Josh Cooper and Chelsea. 

Mother, Hazel Brittain.

Sister, Barbara and Charles Richards

Brother, Thomas Mendez.

Grandchildren Gracelyn Brittain, Kollyn Brittain, Karter Brittain, Logan Jefferson,

Morgan Jefferson, Trace Brittain, Tristan Samford, Kayden Cooper, Avery Cooper.

Pallbearers were Josh Cooper, Jamey Brittain, Charley Brittain, Tristan Samford, Jason Burch, Wes Brittain, Jody Brittain, Ricky Broomfield, Trace Brittain, and Brent Bailey.

Honorary Pallbearers were Paul Hagler, Ricky Mott, Ed Durham, Tim Anderson, Jeremy Fountain, and Brandon Richards.

He is preceded in death by his sons Rodney Brittain and Kenny Brittain; and father T.C “Pete” Brittain.

We want to thank Garrison Nursing Home and Heart to Heart Hospice for taking such wonderful care of him.

For memorials, the family suggests donations to the Gideon’s. Visit https://gideons.org/donate or to make a gift by phone, call toll-free 1-866-382-4253, or send to the address below:
The Gideons International Processing Center
P.O. Box 97251
Washington, DC 20090-7251