Earl "Butch" Bernard Travis

It is with deep regret and profound sadness, that we announce the passing of our beloved Mr. Earl “Butch” Travis.

Mr. Earl Butch Travis was born March 27, 1956, to the late Will and Lannie Travis in Selma, Al. Earl confessed Christ at an early age and joined Shiloh Baptist Church.

Earl received his education from the Selma city School system, where he also met the love of his life and wife of 50 years, Sonja Thomas. Together they raised her three sisters; Gina, Carolyn, Carmen, one brother Earnest and their two daughters; Marquita and Santana. 

Earl was born into a barbecuing family. His mother and father were the original owners of “Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot.” There he learned his master craft as a young child, which would later bring him a business of his own that he named “Lannie’s Bar-B-Q #2”. Travis and his wife Sonja opened this spot in September of 1992 that became hugely popular. It has won the title of Best Barbecue Restaurant in Alabama in 2016, Selma Times Journal’s Best Barbecue in Selma, AL, Reader’s Choice Award, Hope Builder Award, The Heart of Selma, and plenty awards of recognition throughout his years from several organizations, businesses, clubs, etc. The spot draws people from all over the country, near and far! Earl “Butch” Travis was widely known as one of the best barbecue cooks in the Alabama region and surrounding states, but his generosity and love for the people of Selma and surrounding areas is what everyone will remember most about him. His legacy will continue to live on through his wife and kids.

Earl departed his earthly life on July 29, 2022, doing one of his favorite past time hobbies, which was fishing.

Mr. Travis was preceded in death by his parents Will & Lannie Travis; two brothers, Roosevelt Moore, and Will Travis Jr.; one sister, Earnestine Franklin and a special nephew, Roderick Moore.

Loving memories of his life will forever be cherishedby his devoted wife, Sonja Thomas Travis; his twodaughters, Marquita (Antonio) Thomas-Evans; Edna Santana Thomas; two grandchildren, Ayanna Marian Travis-Evans, Aydan Marion Travis-Evans; one sister, Lula Hatcher; one uncle, Jerry Murry; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A candlelight vigil in honor of Earl Travis will be held Thursday, August 11, 2022 7PM at Lannie’s Barbecue #2. Visitation & Viewing will be held Friday, August 12, 2022 from 2PM-7PM at Ashley's JH Williams & Sons Funeral Home. Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Travis will be held Saturday August 13, 2022 1PM at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. The compassionate staff at Ashley’s JH Williams & Sons Funeral Home extends our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the entire Travis, Evans & Hatcher families.

 

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