Travis Jacob Wike

Travis Jacob Wike, 94, of Three Forks Church Road, Taylorsville, passed away peacefully at home on Memorial Day, May 31, 2021. He was a proud WWII Army Veteran and Memorial Day was one of his favorite holidays of the year, so to pass away on a day dedicated to honoring and memorializing veterans was no surprise to his family.

Travis was born April 26, 1927, in Alexander County, to Roby and Cora (Harrington) Wike. He was number seven out of 13 children, and the last one to go to Heaven. On his 94th birthday, Travis received 150 birthday cards from folks across the country including friends, family, and politicians.

Travis loved the Lord with all his heart and was a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. He participated in every position throughout his life, including teaching Sunday school classes, serving as an elder, a life-long choir member, and most recently an active member of the Salem Senior Group.

Travis retired as the Alexander County Tax Supervisor after many years of service. He loved his job and seeing all the people in the community. Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Helen, and granddaughter, Tasha, took a special trip to London, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Holland to see where he was stationed in service.

Throughout his life, he attended classes at CVCC, the Institute of Government at Chapel Hill, and Appalachian State University. He always enjoyed learning, and he especially enjoyed reading daily newspapers and working crossword puzzles every day.

Travis served as a member of the Alexander County Hospital Board of Directors for several years, served on the Federal Farm Services Board for Alexander County, and served on Alexander County Re-evaluation Committee. He loved sports and played on some local teams here in the county as a young man.

He was a charter member of Brushy Mtn. Golf Course. It was there that he got lucky enough to shoot an Eagle and always enjoyed showing his trophy. He was an avid Duke Basketball fan and always liked to watch their games. He had a passion for playing Rook, and up until a year or two ago, played every week with his dear nephew, Wayne Wike and wife Betty.

Travis was a lifelong proud Republican and was a charter member of the local club here in Alexander County. He served the Republican Party in many capacities throughout his life. He was inducted into the first Alexander County Republican Hall of Fame. He was one of three trustees that helped get the Republican Headquarters in town. He was a Republican Judge for the Little River Precinct for many years. If you knew Travis, politics was always part of his conversation.

Travis was married to the love of his life, Laura Helen (Matlock) Wike for 58 years, until her death. Including his parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Floyd Wike, Cloyce Wike, Everett Wike, Gayton Wike, Myrtle Kerley, Francis Pennell, Waitsel Wike, Helen Reese, Betty Benfield, Lewis Wike, Gladys Echerd, and Wendell Wike.

Those cherishing his memory include his daughter, Robin Crowe and husband David, who also served as full-time caregivers for many years; a daughter, Roxanne Icenhour and husband Greg; a loving granddaughter, Tasha Lackey and husband Brad who honored him with a great-granddaughter, Laura Grace Lackey, named after his wife; a special grandson, Kyle Icenhour. Travis has a wonderful sister-in-law, Trudy Wike, that has always been a special lady in our family. He was also blessed with lots of wonderful nieces and nephews, and a special little buddy, Ben Abee, and his mother, Florinda Harwood.

A church service will be held on June 2, 2021, at Salem Lutheran Church, at 4 p.m., with Pastor Gavin Mize officiating. The Alexander County Veterans Honor Guard will be providing full military honors.

Pallbearers include Kyle Icenhour, Ben Abee, Wayne Wike, Bradley Benfield, Jack Simms, Gary Chapman, and Daniel Chapman.

Honored guests include Nurse Ann Beasley of Medi Home Healthcare for all the love and care she showed Travis during his sickness, and also Salem Senior Group and Alexander County Republican Executive Committee Members.

There will be no formal visitation. However, the family will be in Salem Hall after leaving the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church Building Fund, 4005 Hwy 16 North, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family of Travis Jacob Wike.