Albert Travis

Albert Travis was born on January 26, 1918, in the Stateline community of Mississippi. On December 16, 1936, he married Marie Hill of Tylertown, and together they were blessed with three children: Don, Dorothy, and Doyle.

For five years, the Travis family lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, where they attended a small church on Magazine Street known as “The Mission,” pastored by Reverend Fred McManus. It was there that Brother Travis received the Holy Ghost. Soon afterward, Reverend McManus baptized him in the Mississippi River in the name of Jesus Christ. Following this experience, the family returned to Mississippi and faithfully attended church in Stateline for 15 years under the leadership of Reverend Earl Carney.

In 1956, Brother Travis moved his family to Purvis, Mississippi, to pastor Sunny Hill Pentecostal Church. At the time, the congregation was small and unable to fully support a pastor’s family, so he worked for eight years as a Mechanics Shop Foreman at Ryan’s Chevrolet in Purvis while faithfully leading the church.

When the family arrived in Purvis, the parsonage was in desperate need of repair. After long days at work, Brother Travis would spend many nights laboring until midnight to make the home suitable for his family. Through sacrifice, hard work, and unwavering faith, God began to bless the church and congregation.

After approximately 16 years of ministry, the church built a new sanctuary in 1971 and remodeled the old building into Sunday School classrooms and a fellowship hall. In 1972, a new parsonage was constructed, the parking lot was paved, and seven additional acres adjoining the church property were purchased. By the time Brother Travis retired in January 1988, the church indebtedness had been completely paid off through faithful stewardship and sacrificial giving.

During his 31 years as pastor of Sunny Hill Pentecostal Church, countless people were filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in Jesus’ name. Brother Travis had a tremendous burden for young ministers and was known for encouraging and supporting those entering ministry. Many ministers throughout the Mississippi District could testify of his kindness and generosity during the early years of their calling. On multiple occasions, he personally secured loans to help sponsor revivals and ensure churches had quality ministry.

After retiring, Brother Travis and his beloved wife moved to McComb, Mississippi. Sadly, Sister Travis became ill and passed away after a short time there. Following her death, Brother Travis returned to his home at the Campground community.

In 1990, Brother Travis was diagnosed with cancer and underwent extensive chemotherapy treatments in Houston, Texas. Doctors gave little hope for recovery as his weight dramatically declined, yet through the prayers of God’s people and the miraculous hand of God, he regained strength and was once again able to preach in churches across Mississippi and even in Houston.

Brother Travis faithfully served the Mississippi District Board for 22 years, including 17 years as Presbyter and 5 years as Honorary Presbyter. Even while working a full-time job, he rarely missed District Conferences or Camp Meetings, often using his vacation time to attend.

Known by many as a “walking miracle,” Brother Albert Travis remained a powerful example of faith, humility, sacrifice, and dedication to the Kingdom of God. His life touched countless people, and his unwavering trust in God encouraged many through life’s storms.

On November 22, 1993, Brother Albert Travis passed from this life into his eternal reward. His legacy of faithfulness, compassion, and commitment to the Gospel continues to inspire generations of ministers and believers throughout the Mississippi District and beyond.