03/26/2026
Mid-South Presbytery mourns the loss of a beloved mentor and friend while also giving thanks for the life of Rev. Kermit Travis, a faithful servant of God. Even in our grief, we hold fast to the hope of the resurrection and the promise of new life in Christ. We invite you to keep Kermit’s family in your prayers during this difficult time.
Rev. Kermit Edward Travis
Rev. Kermit Edward Travis, 88, of Dresden, Tennessee, died March 24, 2026. Known widely as Buddy, he was the stated supply of New Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Mid-South Presbytery) in Weakley County. He was born March 6, 1938, in Palmersville, Tennessee, and devoted his life to pastoral ministry, church development, and community service.
Ordained May 14, 1967, by a commission of Hopewell Presbytery, Buddy began a long and varied ministry that would span decades and multiple congregations across Tennessee and Kentucky. A 1966 graduate of Bethel College with a degree in history, he earned the Master of Divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary in 1969 and pursued additional clinical training through the Institute of Medicine and Religion. He was certified as a hospital chaplain, attaining standing as a Fellow with the American Protestant Hospital Association.
Buddy served Obion Chapel and Martin Cumberland Presbyterian Churches, including two pastorates in Martin, as well as Olivet Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Tennessee, and later congregations in Glasgow, Kentucky; Kenton, Tennessee; Mason Hall, Tennessee; and New Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Sharon, Tennessee. His ministry was marked by steady congregational growth, organizational development, and significant improvements to church facilities, including expansion projects, the construction of a new manse at Olivet, and later work with the New Salem congregation to build a new facility following the destruction of its historic 1849 building by a 2021 tornado.
Throughout his pastorates, he developed and strengthened programs in Christian education, youth ministry, and congregational life, including children’s ministries, church planning initiatives, family retreats, and regular fellowship events. He emphasized broad participation in church life, encouraging members to take active roles in ministry and leadership, and was known for fostering steady, sustained growth rather than short-term gains.
Beyond the local church, Travis was deeply engaged in ecumenical and civic life. He helped organize interdenominational worship services, served on the Pastoral Advisory Board of Western State Mental Hospital in Bolivar, Tennessee, and participated in community organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis, and local ministerial alliances, often holding leadership roles. He also served as a delegate to multiple meetings of the General Assembly and contributed to the life of the church through presbytery committees and denominational service.
In addition to parish ministry, Buddy served approximately fourteen years at the Northwest Tennessee Correctional Facility, first as a case manager and later as chaplain, extending his pastoral care to those within the correctional system. His commitment to ministry also included service on the board of Camp Clark Williamson for nine years and leadership in church camping programs during the 1970s and 1980s.
A man of wide-ranging interests and abilities, he also pursued work and certifications beyond the pulpit, including licensure as a real estate affiliate broker and auctioneer, and remained active in agricultural and harness racing circles for many years.
Known as a builder of both congregations and community, Travis understood his role as enabling churches to discern their mission and grow into it. His ministry combined practical leadership, theological conviction, and a commitment to nurturing both individual faith and the shared life of the church.
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Rev. Travis shown here receiving a Legacy of Ministry.
