The Knoxville News Sentinel posted this story online today about Uncle Travis. Uncle Travis has been volunteering at Lotts Elementary School since my own three children attended there. My children are now 24, 20 and 18. Just last week my 18 year old and I stopped at Chick-fil-a at Kingston Overlook before he had to go to work and were behind Uncle Travis in line. As the young man handed Uncle Travis his food, he called him Uncle Travis. Clearly, a name that is associated with his volunteer efforts at Lotts Elementary School.
Why is this name only associated at Lotts? Several years ago, I spoke to the Northside Kiwanis Club (which Uncle Travis is a long time contributing member) when I referred to him as Uncle Travis several individuals had questioning looks on their face. When it came time for questions, I was asked if Travis and I were related because I called him Uncle Travis. I then explained how everyone referred to him at Lotts as Uncle Travis.
Last month he was recognized at the Lotts Elementary School Veterans Day program (pictured below) and was honored with the designation of Travis Parker Day in Knox County on his birthday, November 22.
He is a GREAT MAN, indeed.
video credit: video is from the Knoxville News Sentinel online story which is linked above.
photo credits: LottsElementary Twitter