Travis Solomon Baggett

December 28, 2020

Travis Solomon Baggett, 96, went on to be with his Lord on Dec. 26, 2020, after a one-day hospital stay due to what he referred to as “just being tired.” Travis, whose wife lovingly called him “Rooster,” had been looking forward to his Heavenly home for a while, and he was able to say good bye to his family one last time as they were there to share in his departure.

Travis was born in Castleberry, AL on Feb. 7, 1924 to Samuel Cleveland Baggett and Sara Dolihite Baggett, both of Conecuh County, and he outlived all 10 of his siblings. He is a seventh-generation direct descendant of Jesse Baggett, the founder of Castleberry and a war hero of the War of 1812. Travis attended school at Castleberry, and was raised on the old Baggett Farm, a former landmark in Conecuh County. At the age of 17, Travis enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in WWII as a fire controller. In 1943, Travis met and married Dorothy Mae Fussell of Evergreen, AL when he was 19 and she was 17. The couple just celebrated 77 years of marriage on Nov. 13 of this year. “Rooster” and “Hen,” as Travis called Dorothy, married after only two dates. “Rooster” always said her cooking and her looks are what snagged him back then. Travis and Dorothy had four sons, who all eventually made Atmore their home.

Besides serving in the US military, Travis worked at the Mobile Shipyard, a Meat Packing House and even worked in construction building bridges all over the southeast. He later worked at the Evergreen Head Mill for several years, which ultimately led him to join the Evergreen Police Force as an officer. In 1965, Travis and his family headed to Atmore, where Travis served as a Corrections Officer with the State of Alabama Prison System for 25 years. He was known for his left-handed sharp shooter/marksman skills, which came in handy during squirrel-hunting trips. Some of his favorite past-times consisted of attempting to “sweat out cholesterol” by chopping wood and throwing feed out to chickens. Thanks to Dorothy’s cooking, he never ate left overs and would eat ice cream and Pay Day candy bars any time she would let him. During his retired years, he was known to greet everyone with a “Hey, Friend,” especially while out delivering Dorothy’s cakes to the sick and shut-in. At the age of 94, Travis finally decided to stop driving his bright red truck, which meant his weekly rounds to certain Atmore businesses for visits, talks and coffee came to an end. As a child of God and believer in Jesus Christ, Travis often could still quote scripture and tell Bible stories to anyone who would listen. Travis lived a full life and was loved immensely, especially by his family. His favorite response to most of life’s puzzling and crazy situations was always, “I do know.” Certainly, now Travis does know indeed as he is with the One who redeemed him many years ago.

Travis is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Sarah Baggett of Castleberry; his son, Steve Baggett of Atmore; and daughter-in-law, Rita Baggett of Atmore. His deceased siblings are Jesse, Howard, Buck, Ned, Ella, Loreen, Helen, Francis, Mary and Elaine.

Survivors include the love of his life, his wife, Dorothy Baggett; sons, Ronnie (Margaret) Baggett of Atmore; Donnie Baggett of Atmore; Garry (Vicki) Baggett of Bratt; Grandchildren: Stephen Baggett of Atmore; Krystal (Charles) Weaver of Dothan; Alex (Kaylee) Baggett of Louisiana; Melissa Baggett of Atmore; Corry Baggett of Atmore and Lexxi Baggett of Bratt; Travis is survived by five great -grandchildren and several special nieces.

Funeral services are Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Tim James of Atmore Apostolic Church officiating. Burial will follow at Buffington Cemetery in Castleberry, with Full Military Honors. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 9 a.m. until service time at 10 a.m. Petty Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.

Active pallbearers will be Alex Baggett, Corry Baggett, Haynes Gandy, Hunter Kite, Luke Miller, Zack Miller.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries