FLORENCE – William Augustus “Bill” Travis, III, beloved husband, father, and friend, died Thursday, August 31, 2017. He was the youngest child of Lela Henson and Ross McElwee Travis of Dillon. Born in Charlotte, NC, Bill grew up in Dillon, SC, where he attended Dillon County Schools.
He was a 1982 graduate of the University of South Carolina where he was member of Chi Psi Fraternity and remained a loyal Gamecock supporter throughout his life. In 1984 he married Jacqueline Denise Mason, of Florence and, in 1987, Bill graduated from Regent University with an MBA. He and Jackie subsequently returned to Dillon to take over his father’s retail store. Together they moved Travis Jewelers to Florence in 1996 where they operated the store until 2012.
Bill was a successful entrepreneur and an incurable dreamer who had the heart of a servant. He loved feeding his friends and looked forward to the day he could open his own barbeque restaurant. Finally, in 2012 he and Jackie opened Wholly Smokin’ Barbeque. In 2014, they moved the restaurant to Dargan Street, and were proud to be a part of the of the city’s downtown revitalization. Patrons were always welcomed by Bill’s smile.
Bill was always involved in the community and was a past president of Florence Rotary West, Rotarian of the Year for 2006-2007 and a Paul Harris Fellow. He also was an active member of the Dillon Lions Club. Bill was an avid golfer and played for the Florence Tennis Association.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jackie; his daughter, Sarah Travis, and son Andrew Travis. He is also survived by his brother, Mac (Janice) Travis of Durham, NC, and sister, Gail Travis of Mills River, NC.
The family will receive friends and loved ones at home on Saturday. Funeral services were held Sunday, September 3, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at New Spring Church in Florence with burial followed at Mount Hope Cemetery. Arrangements weremade by Waters Powell Funeral Home.
