Travis Brittain, 74, of Center, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Garrison. 
Funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, at Center First United Pentecostal Church with visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Interment will be held 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 love 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 (3 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 IceCream 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 “Mufflerman” 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 likeTravis, this world would be an amazing and beautiful place.

Travis is survived by:
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:
Josh Cooper
Jamey Brittain
Charley Brittain
Tristan Samford
Jason Burch
Wes Brittain
Jody Brittain
Ricky Broomfield
Trace Brittain
Brent Bailey
Honorary Pallbearers:

Paul Hagler
Ricky Mott
Charles Richards
Ed Durham
Tim Anderson
Jeremy Fountain
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.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gideon’s.
You can 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