Travis Wayne Gibson, surrounded by family, peacefully passed away on May 29, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Travis, or ‘Bub’ as his family and close friends called him, was born on September 2, 1955, to Kenneth and Irma Gibson. He lived most of his life on the Gibson family farm in the Ragland community and was a member of Newton Creek Baptist Church.
A 1973 graduate of Heath High School, Travis began work in the HVAC-R industry. Travis cut his teeth working for Asher Heating & Air before transitioning to the sales and distribution side of the industry. Throughout his career, he specialized in commercial refrigeration and became a trusted advisor, mentor, and friend to countless technicians. In 2007, he realized one of his dreams when he started his own company, Gibson Refrigeration. After overcoming major health challenges, Travis returned to work in the supply houses where he closed out a career that spanned five decades. In addition to heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, he took great pride in being a farmer. In all his work, he maintained an “If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it right” attitude. There was nothing he couldn’t fix or figure out.
When not at work, working on something in his garage, or riding around on his John Deere Gator, Travis could be found in his living room recliner enjoying a NASCAR race, a college basketball game, or an episode of Barnwood Builders. He was a loyal fan of Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and the Kentucky Wildcats. He enjoyed spending time with, or talking to, those he loved. Most of the time, his conversations would involve some sort of advice including, “Well, if it were me, I would…”, “Sometimes, you just have to slow up to hurry up.”, “I tell you what do,…”, or “Grab that concrete block, sit it under the shade tree, sit on it, and think on it for a while.”
While he took great pride in being a farmer, his greatest pride came in being a husband, dad, and PawPaw. Travis is survived by his wife, Michelle Gibson of Kevil, KY, son Jeff (Jessica) Gibson of Kevil, KY, a daughter Amanda (Jared) Hendrix, granddaughters Magnolia Gibson and Autumn Hendrix, one sister Melanie (Ray) Massie of Paducah, KY, one brother Brian (Ronda) Gibson of Kevil, KY, as well as nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Irma Gibson as well as his grandparents.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, at Morrow Funeral Chapel, 376 West Kentucky Dr., LaCenter, KY, 42056.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, June 5, 2026 at 1:00 pm, also at Morrow Funeral Chapel, with visitation from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Reverend Jeffrey A. Gibson will officiate. Interment will follow at Newton Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
