Travis Payton Harvey, of Appomattox, Virginia, better known as "Pate" to family and friends, blazed through this life going full tilt. The saying, "only the good die young", certainly applies to him. Pate was born in Lynchburg, VA to the late Phyllis Cyrus Harvey and the late Jesse Payton Harvey, Jr. on Wednesday, November 13, 1968 at 10:30 a.m. and left us way too soon, on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 4:20 p.m. at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Despite two years of fighting cancer, Pate never lost his sense of humor and the timing of his departure would've definitely gotten a thumb's up from him. He was here for a brief 48 years, but what a time he had, living each day to the fullest! Pate had a disarming smile and a laugh that was so absolutely genuine it was unforgettable. Pate worked for his father at J.P. Harvey, Jr. Construction beginning in his early teens while at Brookville High School and he went on to become a self-employed contractor. His carpentry talents were sought after by many and when he wasn't busy building homes or tending to his garden, he could be found at the pond on his family farm with a beer in one hand and a fishing pole in the other. Pate was never one to sit still and he would be the first to admit he was a dancing fool, which he'd demonstrate; often. It was a common site to see, him driving through town in his pickup truck, acknowledging people with a raised hand from the steering wheel like people in small towns still do. He'd be singing with the volume up and windows down, truly sounding better than the radio, with his dog, Tish, riding shotgun. Pate was an avid, lifelong New Orleans Saints fan and he was a fierce competitor with his team the "Evergreen Posse" in the fantasy football league he helped form. Along with pulling for the Boston Red Sox, Pate frequently watched and attended NASCAR races, cheering for Tony Stewart, and he enjoyed playing golf with his nephews. He was a huge movie collector who spent endless hours with his daughters watching their favorite action and horror movies. Cooking came naturally to both Pate and his sister. His seafood dishes and barbeque skills could have been featured on the Food Network that he was fond of watching. He conquered the game, Skyrim, and had campaigned in Dungeons & Dragons since middle school. He loved video games; from old school games such as Space Invaders, to new games like Pokémon Go – don't laugh.

He was tremendously loved and those left behind to tell the tales and cherish his memory include: two daughters, Aimee Michelle Harvey and Amber Dawn Harvey; their mom, Kelly Harvey Blackwelder (Brad); grandsons, Brody Peyton and Camden Bradley; a sister, Vanessa "Missy" Harvey; nephews, John Cruise (Brandy), Jesse Cruise (Patience), and Joshua Harvey (Diana); an uncle, Albert Harvey (Doris); three aunts, Jean Dalton (Bob), Ida Campbell, and Wilsie Puckett; two great-nieces, Lexi and Lacie Cruise; two great-nephews, Grayson and Archer Cruise; numerous cousins and many friends, who were just like family.

The family would be so pleased if you would join them at Pate's celebration of life service that will be held at Robinson's Funeral Home in Appomattox, VA on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 3 p.m. with Desi Justis Associate Pastor, Mountain View Church of God, officiating. A graveside service will follow at Evergreen cemetery.

The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to cover final expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-expenses-for-pate-harvey or to consider the American Cancer Society, c/o Sharon Mobley, PO Box 1084, Appomattox, VA 24522.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of the UVA Medical Center, the Emily Couric Cancer Center for their help and support, and to the UVA Hospitality House for the many nights they provided a home away from home for Pate, his family, and friends.