Charles Travis

Charles J. Travis of Hickory, N.C. passed away Thursday, 25th August 2022 at the age of 87, at Terra Bella Senior Living in Newton, N.C.

Charles was born May 20th, 1935 in Newton, N.C. to the late Shirley Kate Stallings Travis and Charles Ralph Travis.

A memorial service will be held at Eastview Cemetery, Newton, N.C. at 3pm on September 11, 2022.

Charles was known as a man of many talents, who had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and loved a good story, even when the story was on him. He was a resident of Huntington Woods in Hickory, N.C. for more than 30 years, and well-remembered as a runner. After his retirement he authored five books; historical fiction about life in the South.

Charles grew up in Newton on “cotton mill hill”, a life he depicted in his book, The Life and Times of the Lint-head Kid, published in 2014. The Lint-head Kid is an imaginary alter-ego of Charles growing up during the Depression and WWII. The hero leads us into his daydreams and humorous antics. This is the book Charles was most proud of and was selected by the local book club as a monthly choice.
After graduating from Newton Conover High School, Charles joined the army and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, making 12 parachute jumps. In his book, Quick Release: A Paratrooper Story, the story of Charlie Rote, the protagonist, was based on his military experiences.

As a veteran he received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Lenoir Rhyne University, then went on to North Carolina State University for a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering. At State, he began his industrial engineering career as a management consultant for NCSU, traveling across the state creating and presenting management seminars to industries and providing information to Chambers of Commerce on how to start new industries. He also presented seminars to universities, including the University of Wisconsin and NC State University.

The management consulting career led him into management and vice-president positions with major companies, including Mead Corp., Ethan Allen, and La-Z-Boy. An extension of his consulting and employment was the writing of 20 + engineering and management articles, which were published in professional journals, including The Journal of Industrial Engineering.

It was also during this time that he started a successful, small manufacturing company, Crabtree of Hickory, which produced decorative pillows for an honor roll list of companies including 422 Belk stores and other large department store chains.

For 40 years, until he was 83, Charles ran 15-20 miles per week and participated in about 75 10K marathons. The National Academy of Sports Medicine approved him as a Certified Fitness Trainer, and he was employed in later years part-time by the YMCA as a Silver Sneakers leader and trainer.

Charles also served 2 terms in the 1970’s as chairman of the Catawba County Democratic Party.
His love of dogs came through in considerable donations to the Humane Society of Catawba County, the Charlotte Cocker Rescue of NC, and others. For many years he bred and raised award-winning dalmatian show dogs. Domino won four Best of Show, and Quincy, Charles’s ‘cocker, won in three straight shows.

Charles is survived by his two sons, three grandchildren, and his sister. His eldest son, Jeffrey Todd Travis, lives in Wake Forest, N.C. He is a retired FedEx pilot, and Air Force pilot, and got his PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration from North Carolina State University. He is the father of two daughters, Holly, and Chloe, and son, Niklas. Charles’ younger son, Kevin Charles Travis, studied Design at North Carolina State University and graduated from Appalachian State University. He is a monk, living in India for 30 + years, in his monastery which he designed and built in the Indian Himalayas. He teaches philosophy, meditation, and yoga in various parts of the world. Charles’ sister, Anna Darlene Travis, is retired and lives in Conover, N.C. Her career was in management of corporate employment staffing firms.

"Running is my friend, my companion & my therapy...He (the Holy spirit) gives me clarity of mind, creative thoughts and moments of meditation. He gives no excuse to avoid running and no finish line. He is always ready to run and "earn His wings," everyday, & teaches that you are a runner only while running. He has been with me for 40 years. Sometimes my running shadow feels like He is running by my side. He has made my life more abundant. His place in my life is secured." Written by Charles Travis.