Travis Andrew McClellan

travis mcclellan

May 9, 1988 ~ November 14, 2023

Born in: Buncombe County, North Carolina
Resided in: Flat Rock, North Carolina

Travis Andrew McClellan, 35, of Asheville, NC was born on May 9, 1988, baptized October 3, 1999 (Biltmore Baptist Church) and passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Travis graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He earned his Merchant Mariner Credential of Chief Engineer through the United States Coast Guard. He went on to work his way up in the commercial fishing industry, becoming Chief Engineer of the Sovereignty.

A sweet, bright, and charming boy, Travis grew into a kind, intelligent, and charismatic man. To know Travis was to love him. He readily shared his warmth, sense of humor, and easy smile with everyone. He was a friend to all, accepting, generous, and unfailingly loyal. In life, Travis sought adventure and deeper meaning. He was an avid reader and traveler. He wanted to learn, explore, and see it all. Curious and contemplative, Travis asked questions, never blindly accepting the status quo. He had a unique perspective, with insight or thoughts that often opened minds and inspired others to think differently. Travis was also fun and fearless, sometimes to a fault.

Preceded in death by Grandmother, Margaret Hughes Azel; Grandmother, Kathy Haynes Azel; Grandmother, Barbara Rice McClellan; Uncle, Bobby Leon McClellan; and Cousin, Justin Leon McClellan.

Survived by: Parents, Tommy Leon McClellan (Wanda), and Sassi Azel Roberts (Kenny); Siblings, Christina McClellan Bright (Greg), and Seth Garland Roberts (Tia); Step-Siblings, Laura Lewis (Trey), Shannon Crouch, and Torrey Alexander (Brooke); Nieces and Nephews, Olivia Bright, Scarlett Bright, Colton Bright, Mayven Roberts, and Sage Roberts; Grandparents, Agustin Menendez Azel, Donald Leon McClellan (Johnnie), and Bobby Lee Roberts (Shirley); Aunts and Uncles, Sheila Crompton McClellan, Belinda McClellan Miller (Chuck), Mark Alexander Azel (Elizabeth), Michael Alan Azel, Jerusha Azel Maddock (Tom), Daniel Nathan Azel (Kelly); Cousins, Ashley Downs, Bobby Miller, TJ Miller, Kelleigh Azel, Matthew Azel, Sarah Azel, Emma Maddock, Katie Maddock, Maggie Maddock, Sophie Maddock, Brody Azel, and Quincy Azel.

Like fireworks, Travis dazzled, awed, and burned out way too fast.

For those who were lucky enough to have loved him, his frequent hugs, gentle nature, quick wit, and ready laugh will forever be missed.

Services

Celebration of Life: November 19, 2023 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Room: Sanctuary

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

For those who wish to pay their respects: November 19, 2023 3:00 pm

Room: Vestibule

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. We are so very sorry to hear of Travis’s passing. Love and prayers to his family.
    Ed and Tillie Fortag, Sue Fortag Barnett.

  2. Tommy and Sassie, we found out today . We know this tragedy has broken your hearts. There are no words to express the devastation a parents feels, upon losing a child. But all is not lost… on the other side Travis ‘s spirit lives on. He is surrrounded by those who love him and have passed on before him. And some day, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, Travis will be resurrected & you will see him again.

  3. My dearest Sassie, Kenny, Tina, and Tommy,
    Travis was like a son to me. All the memories since their childhood. I can’t even begin to remember. . . There were so many. . Some funny a did course some not! But I do remember how much Beau and Travis loved to wrestle. Furniture was not safe when they were in a room.
    I’ll never forget this one time they flew to go to a concert together for New Years Eve. It was a big deal. On New Years Eve day they got into their usual wrestling match in their VERY NICE hotel room may I add. Anyway. . . Travis accidentally poked Beau in the eye. Travis drove him to the Urgent care and while returning to the hotel Beau sent me a photo of himself with a patch over his eye. “No concert for me” Beau texted. Travis felt awful. He ordered Beau room service which included a nice steak and an expensive bottle of wine to celebrate New Year’s Eve but without him. Travis went to the the concert. Lol.
    Travis was always there for Beau, for me, for everyone. After Beau, Travis asked me to come out to Seattle. To visit the “The Cape Horn” , Beau’s fishing vessel. He showed and explained to me the life Beau loved to live while out to sea. Sometimes even Travis couldn’t understand how or why Beau loved it so much.
    I will miss your son’s/ brother’s smile, his calming and peaceful mannerism. “It’s all good” he would say. I will miss that frequent text “I’ll be off the boat soon. Love you Donna”.
    Such a brilliant soul. He had so much life and never wasted a minute learning that which he did not.
    Sassie you raised a beautiful young man. I will miss him terribly. But he is with his angels now. . . Enjoying friends and family once again whom rest peacefully up above.
    Remember . . . He will be with you always until you are reunited once again.
    Love you all!

  4. Will be forever loved and missed. Thanks for making me feel special. You were the best friend a man could ask for. A real human, providing real human experience.

  5. We are so sorry to hear of Travis’ passing. You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers as your family deals with this tragic loss.

  6. My deepest condolences Tina, Sassy and the rest of Travis’s family, friends and loved ones. Im so very sorry for your loss and grief.

  7. Jason and I are so very sorry for your loss! Keeping you close in prayer through this difficult time! 🙏🏼😢

  8. I am so very sorry to hear this. I pray the sweet Holy Spirit of God will embrace you dear family in His comforting arms and give to you His peace in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

  9. We am so deeply sorry for the loss of Travis. We pray you’ll find strength in the love and support surrounding you.

  10. So sorry for the lose of Travis. Praying that God will give you strength through this very difficult time.

  11. Dearest Travis,
    So many of my teenage memories include you. You were a great buddy and we had lots of fun and crazy adventures together, all of us silly children! Thank you for giving me those times in my life. I will always think of you! I hope you float on to an even greater journey! Rest in peace dear friend 💗🌻
    Love always

  12. Sassi,
    I am sorry for your loss, knowing you I am sure he was a fine young man. My prayers are with you.

    Tommy

  13. The emptiness and disbelief is enormous. I shared time with Travis on this earth it just wasn’t enough. I see him walking in the door with a big smile and arms wide open. I yearning to hear his tales of the seas and life on the boat. And never failing that in 15 mins. friends would be coming in the door to hear too. Words can’t describe my heartache. Sassy and Christina I would do anything to remove this pain and loss from you.

  14. Dear Sassi, I just saw this today. I am very sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family.🙏🙏🙏 Love to everyone!

  15. I was lucky enough to be friends with Travis, one year when Travis in Jacob were in Seattle working they didn’t have any plans for Thanksgiving so they came to my family’s Thanksgiving. Travis and my grandfather told old fishing stories for hours. Having Travis around made things joyous and lively.
    I’ll never forget him.

  16. It’s with sadness that I’m so late seeing your deep loss Sassie. I have only fond memories of Travis and how you blessed me thru some years of happiness I needed so much.God bless all of you and here if you ever need me.


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