Travis Jackson Ware

Travis Ware, age 89 of Pearcy, AR passed away on Sunday January 7, 2024. 

He was born September 10, 1934, in Friendship, AR, the son of Ira and Edith Ware. He is preceded in death by his parents; Ira and Edith Ware, his wife Ernestine Ware and daughter Elaine Spivey. 

Travis met and married the love of his life Ernestine Ware on April 10, 1961. After graduating high school, Travis and his sister Eveleen took a train to Illinois where they would attend masseuse school together. After graduating the program they returned to Hot Springs where Travis worked in the bath houses giving massages. One day while massaging a rich client the man told Travis a story of how he started his own business repairing auto-glass. From there the idea was born. Travis was determined he was going to start his own company. At the age of 26 Travis, and his cousin Ish, bought their first glass franchise, a single van and began their journey into the auto-glass business. Unfortunately, after two years, the franchise collapsed. Travis however was determined to succeed and opened his own company called Spa Glass. He ran the company until he sold it in 1979. In 1982 Travis once again began a new business called Auto-Glass Inc. At the prime of his career he had three Auto-Glass Inc. locations to service Arkansas with locations in Hot Springs, Arkadelphia and Malvern. Travis was a devoted businessman and ran his company for 39 years before retiring and handing it over to his son-in law Mitch who continues to run the business today.

After retiring, Travis spent the majority of his time working on his farm, tending to his cattle and gardens. His property was his pride and joy. Numerous evenings and cold beers were enjoyed by many sitting on his front porch overlooking his ponds. When not at home, you could find him sitting with locals at the Sunshine Store discussing all the local events. Many nick- named him “The Mayor of Sunshine”. Travis also had a passion for attending the races. Saturday mornings were often spent sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee, studying the newspaper picking out bets for the day. Travis and Ernestine had an extensive friend group throughout the years and loved to dine out and have a good time. They went on many fishing trips together including traveling to Alaska, Costa Rica, and Brazil. Travis was always the life of the party and at times even a bit rowdy!

In his later years, Travis was devoted to tending to his wife Ernestine, his sister Eveleen and spending time with his grandchildren. Ernestine was the love of his life. He cherished every moment they were able to spend together. In 2009 Travis was granted a great-grandson, Landon. He loved “his little buddy” dearly. He enjoyed taking him fishing at the pond, watching him shoot snapping turtles and taking him on tractor rides. As the years went by, he loved to hear his stories of hunting and seeing pictures of all the ducks and deer he killed. He was also granted a great-granddaughter, Emery in 2020 and another great-grandson, Remy in 2023. He loved holding the little ones and watching them play always put a bright smile on his face. 

He is survived by his two granddaughters Morgan (Mike) Williams of Pearcy and Erica (Ryan) Miller of Alexander; Five Great-grandchildren, Landon, Peyton, Lane (Leah) Williams of Pearcy and Emery and Remy Miller of Alexander; one great-great grandson Luke Williams; his sister Eveleen Reed of Hot Springs; former son-in-law Mitch Spivey; as well as many other nieces, nephews and a great host of friends. 

A memorial service will be held to honor Travis's life at 12:00 PM on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Smith Family Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Guest registry at www.Smithfamilycares.com