Michael Travis Millsaps

In Loving Memory of Michael Travis Millsaps July 11, 1978 – July 7, 2026 Michael Travis Millsaps, 47, of Statesville, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on July 7, 2026, at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, after a long and courageous battle with complications related to brain tumors and pneumonia. Although his life was cut short just days before his 48th birthday, Michael's legacy of laughter, kindness, faith, and love for his family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Michael was born on July 11, 1978, at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, North Carolina, to his loving parents, Glenn S. Millsaps, Sr. and Kathy Oneal Millsaps. He graduated from North Iredell High School and later attended trucking school, where he earned his Commercial Driver License through Stevens Transportation Systems. To those who knew him best, Michael was simply unforgettable. He was always smiling, always laughing, and never met a stranger. His quick wit and infectious sense of humor could brighten any room, and his friends often remarked that he was one of the funniest people they had ever known. Affectionately known by the nickname "Shaft" because of the serious side hidden beneath his playful personality, Michael was the family prankster. One of his most memorable childhood pranks was placing a frog in his sister Tammy's bed—a joke that everyone laughed about except Tammy. Michael loved life and embraced it with enthusiasm. As a child, he spent countless hours playing in the woods with his brothers and sister, enjoying snowy winters, warm summer days, and every opportunity to be outdoors. He loved fishing, listening to many different kinds of music, watching classic television shows and Westerns, playing video games, cooking, grilling outdoors, and preparing meals for himself and those around him. Whether sharing a meal, telling a joke, or spending time with family, Michael found joy in life's simple blessings. Those who knew Michael will remember him as a loyal friend, a generous man, and someone who would help anyone in need. He loved children, cherished family gatherings, and had a remarkable ability to make people smile. Even during the difficult years of his illness, Michael continued to enjoy cooking out whenever he could and remained determined to maintain his independence. His handwritten notes on his door—reminding visitors who should "Stay Out" and who could "Come In"—reflected both his sense of humor and his strong desire to live life on his own terms. His courage and determination remained evident throughout his health challenges. Michael's faith was an important part of his life. During his youth, Michael found great joy in worship and music. He loved singing in the church choir, especially at Elmwood AME Zion Church and other churches he attended with his immediate family. Among his favorite hymns was "Walking in Jerusalem Just Like John," a song that remained especially meaningful to him throughout his life. His love for gospel music reflected the joyful spirit that so many family members and friends came to know and cherish. Before Michael’s brain injury he faithfully attended church with the late Mrs. Eula Bella Mayfield, whose love, guidance, and example helped strengthen his spiritual walk. It was during this time that Michael was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, a decision that remained one of the defining moments of his faith journey. Above all else, Michael deeply loved his family. In his later years, he remained especially close to his parents, who lovingly cared for him throughout his illness. He often spoke with great love about his daughter, Makayla Reavis. He treasured the memories of holding her as a baby and frequently shared his hopes and dreams of traveling with her one day, including visiting Disneyland together. Those conversations reflected the love he carried in his heart for his daughter. Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Kevin L. Millsaps, as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted parents, Glenn S. Millsaps, Sr. and Kathy Oneal Millsaps; his brother, Glenn S. Millsaps, Jr. of Statesville, North Carolina; his sister, Tammy Millsaps of Boston, Massachusetts; his beloved daughter, Makayla Reavis; and a large extended family of loving nieces, nephews, first cousins, second cousins, third cousins, relatives, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. While a serve brain injury changed Michael's health, it never changed the man his family knew and loved. He will forever be remembered for his laughter, his kindness, his generous spirit, his unwavering independence, and the joy he brought to everyone around him. His memory will live on in every smile he inspired, every story shared around the family table, and every heart that was blessed to know him. Funeral Service will be conducted Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Zion Chapel A.M.E; Pastor Robin W. Curry and Presiding Elder David P. Baker. Visitation will be Sunday, July 12, 2026, 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm at the church. Burial will follow after the service in the Church Cemetery.