Travis V. McKinley
Travis V. McKinley, 55, born December 1, 1969, was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, growing up in East Chattanooga. He received his ultimate healing on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with his love by his side.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Corine and Arthur McKinley; great-grandparents, Gertrude and Dayton Drake; and his step-father (since the age of 2) Chester Phelps, Jr.
Travis matriculated through the City of Chattanooga school system, attending East Chattanooga and Avondale Elementary, Hardy Junior High, and finally Brainerd High School. During his time at Brainerd, he excelled in many extracurricular activities and ultimately graduated as a member of the BHS Class of 1988. After graduation, Travis continued pursuing his dreams by enlisting in the United States Navy. Travis served valiantly during Desert Storm aboard the USS Roosevelt. If you ever spent any time with him, you knew that he was a proud veteran of the US Navy; and, you would have heard him recount the many adventures he had while serving active duty.
Travis retired from the US Navy and spent his time in the community that he loved, East Chattanooga. It didn’t matter what the need, whether it was shoes, a meal, or a ride to an important appointment, he was there with a helping hand, moving quietly, yet lovingly behind the scenes. He was always willing to give the shirt off his back, asking for nothing in return. He only wanted to see whomever he was helping at that moment, make it to the next step; and he was satisfied with just seeing them move forward.
Travis never met a stranger whether in his beloved East Chattanooga, or meeting up with couples for a double date or while traveling. Travis was charismatic and had a way of lighting up a room when he entered. He made you feel as if you were the only person while talking with you. You were never worse for wear by having had Travis, Uncle Travis, or “The Mayor”, in your life.
Travis was a member of Olivet Baptist Church.
Travis leaves to cherish the memory of his life, his very devoted mother, Dorathella Phelps; father, Charles (Sharon) Daniels; fiancée and devoted caregiver, Karen Romine of Chattanooga, TN; daughter, Kionna McKinley of Jacksonville, FL; son, DeVaughn Norwood of Murfreesboro, TN; brothers, Mark Lollis, Knoxville, TN; Norman Harvey and Chester (LaKita) Phelps, III both of Chattanooga, TN; Demetrius (Stacie) Daniels (Lawrence, KS); sisters, Deondral (Carldedrus) Norwood and Jakobee Daniels of Chattanooga, TN; uncles, Arthur McKinley, Jr. and Darnell Knox of Chattanooga, TN; great-aunts, Sylvia Drake of Chattanooga, TN and Annie Simon of Canton, OH; cousins, Carlous Drake, Curtis Drake, and Cecil Drake all of Chattanooga, TN, and Freeman Simon, Cheryl Simon, and Debbie Simon all of Canton, OH; 10 nephews and 9 nieces. In addition to those listed, Travis leaves countless friends and extended family by blood and not-by-blood, to hold his memory close. His spirit will live on through the many lives he touched, the love he gave, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, from 2-6 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home.
A celebration of Travis’s life will take place on Thursday, June 5, at 11 a.m. in the chapel at John P. Franklin Funeral Home. Minister John W. Jackson will be the eulogist.
Interment with full military honors will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery, with gate time at 1:30 p.m.
“Your most incredible experiences are still on the horizon, waiting to unfold – embrace your potential and seize every opportunity to live a life that truly reflects your best self.”
Travis V. McKinley, February 2025