At 1:18 p.m. on June 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family in Bossier City, Louisiana, James Travis Smallwood, Sr. peacefully entered the presence of his Savior, waking to Heaven’s glory with a fully restored body and free from pain.

Travis was born on December 3, 1942, in Dumas, Arkansas, to Otis and Elois Smallwood. He grew up in the Wells Bayou community alongside his siblings and graduated from Gould High School. During his school years, he enjoyed playing football and basketball and was honored as an All-Conference football player during his senior year.

On December 12, 1960, Travis married the love of his life, Kay Lynn Hamilton. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They were blessed with three children: Kelley, Paula, and Jay.

Travis spent his career as a contractor and operating heavy equipment, a trade that took him to job sites across the United States. There wasn’t a piece of heavy machinery he didn’t master. Following his final contractor job in Shreveport, Louisiana, he retired with Kay and alongside, Jay, made Louisiana his home.

Known for his remarkable craftsmanship, Travis could build, weld, or repair anything he set his mind to. He lovingly created countless keepsakes for his children and grandchildren—treasures that will continue to remind them of his talent, generosity, and love for years to come.

Travis was a faithful member of Open Door Bible Church in Bossier City, Louisiana. Until his health no longer allowed him to serve, he faithfully ensured the coffee was hot and ready each Sunday morning, welcoming church family and visitors with quiet acts of service that reflected his humble heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Elois Smallwood; his sisters, Emma Lee Sparks and JoAnn Wells; and his brother, Charles Smallwood.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Kay Smallwood of the home; his daughter, Kelley Nance and husband John of George West, Texas; his daughter, Paula Mikles and husband Tim of Elk City, Oklahoma; and his son, Jay Smallwood and wife Libby of Bossier City, Louisiana.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Jared Mikles (Samantha), Megan Nance (Bullet), Katy Nance, Kallie Nelms (Kyle), Tanner Mikles (Anna), Luke Mikles (Makenzie), Hope Morgan (Chase), Jayson Smallwood, Hailey Johnson (Dylan), Becca Smallwood (Ryan).

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Jaden Mikles, Cortland Mikles, Sonny Stewart, Ava Cornell, Thoren Morgan, along with a precious great-granddaughter expected in September.

Travis is also survived by his siblings Jean Jones (Jimmy) and Kenneth Smallwood (Mary), numerous nieces and nephews, as well as Ryan O’Neal (Lisa) whom he loved as a fourth child.

Travis will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his ability to fix anything, his servant’s heart, his deep love for his family, and the quiet faith he lived out every day. His legacy of love, integrity, and craftsmanship will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service for family and friends will be announced and held at a later date.