Clifford Neal Travis' Obituary
Clifford “Neal” Travis, of Delran, New Jersey formerly of Fenwick, West Virginia, passed away on August 25th, 2023. He was 89 years old. Born in West Virginia to the late Dana Vernon Travis and the late Rena Macle Travis (nee Roby), he was preceded in death by sister Jenette Kight (Don). Beloved husband of Carole “Elaine” Travis (nee Jackson). Loving father, mentor, and HERO to Cyndi Hyland (Dave), Judy Karpen (Dan), and David Travis (Jen). Cherished Grandpop, mentor, and HERO to Danielle Carlotto (Eric), Kristen Brahler (Dan), Dana Skidmore (Adam), Samantha Stellwag (Josh), Travis Karpen, Nicole, Tyler, and Sarah Travis, and Great Grandpop to Jake, Luke, and Zach Carlotto, Grace and Elaina Brahler, Georgia Skidmore, and Rena, Jackson, and Caroline Stellwag, loving brothers Carl Travis (Sharon), Jim (Jean), Bucky (Tina) and many loving nieces and nephews.
Neal was born in Buckhannon, West Virginia and grew up in Fenwick West Virginia. He was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Richwood High School in 1952. This is where he met his bride Elaine and they just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on December 21, 2022. He went on to attend West Virginia University and later joined the United States Army where he was a 2nd Lieutenant in charge of guided missile training. He moved to Delran in 1962 and was employed by RCA, working on the moon landing and moon walk programs. Neal then worked for Hughes Aircraft, TeleSciences, Test Technology, Inc., and retired from Syscom Tech at the age of 85.
Growing up in the Methodist Church, Neal’s faith was very important. He was on the planning board when the Church he attended on Conrow Road was built and he also served as a Sunday School teacher to young adults.
Neal was an avid sports fan and athlete. He started the high school wrestling program at Richwood High School and wrestled at WVU. He was one of the founders of Delran’s youth baseball program and a beloved coach to many. You could always find Neal at his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s athletic events. He was a very proud dad and grandfather of all their achievements and always had a video camera in his hand.
He had many hobbies. He was a 50+ year member of the North-South Skirmish Association (NSSA) and belonged to the 13th North Carolina Infantry. He loved fishing and hunting with his lifelong friends and family that included trips to Canada. He enjoyed target shooting, golfing, bowling, collecting coins, stamps, and most of all Pepsi Memorabilia. You could also find him sitting at the dining room table solving puzzles or playing cards and games with his family. If nowhere to be found, Neal was repairing, engineering, or building some new project.
Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday August 31st, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The First United Methodist Church in Delran. Located at 32 Conrow Road, Delran, NJ, 08075. Immediately following the viewing there will be a funeral service at 11 a.m., also at church. Following the service, internment will take place at Lakeview Memorial Park in Cinnaminson. Located at 1300 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson, NJ, 08077.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The First United Methodist Church in Delran or a charity of your choice
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