Travis Dean Grinstead

Travis Dean Grinstead, 72, of Davis, Oklahoma, passed away on November 4, 2026, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Born on June 10, 1954, in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, to Connie Willard Grinstead and Velva Corina (Rushing) Grinstead, Travis proved to be a fighter right from the very start, arriving early and weighing just 4 pounds and 10 ounces at birth.

Travis grew up in Roff, where he made his fondest memories growing up alongside his siblings, grandparents, cousins, and lifelong friends, before moving to Sulphur in 1967. As a teenager, he got his start working as a short-order cook at Archie's Cafe in Sulphur before graduating from Sulphur High School in 1972. He married Rolanda Robinson in February 1973, and together they had two children, Clint and Courtney. Following high school, he worked at the Sequoyah Carpet Mill in Davis, before embarking on a lengthy career at Uniroyal (later Michelin) starting in October 1973, where he dedicated over 30 years until his retirement in October 2004.

Travis was defined by his straightforward warmth. He held honesty and integrity as his highest values; principles taught to him by his parents and passed down through his own example. A classic "old softie" at heart, Travis loved nothing more than spending time with his family-and aggravating his kids, grandkids, or anyone else around was simply his way of showing his love. He was known for knowing endless fun facts-or what he often called "just a bunch of useless information." He also enjoyed collecting knives and baseball cards, telling stories about the people who meant the world to him, and ensuring family history was never forgotten. He held tight to sentimental keepsakes, saving items most people would throw away simply because they were given to him by people he loved or held special in his life.

Travis had a deep respect for where he came from. He cherished old family photo albums, flipped through old Roff Tiger and Sulphur Bulldog yearbooks, and loved walking through local cemeteries to pay his respects to those who came before. He took immense pride in taking his kids and grandchildren to places in Roff that held special meaning for him. One of his absolute favorite ways to unwind was taking a drive down country backroads with his little Igloo ice chest packed with Diet Cokes.

A passionate fan of all sports, Travis especially loved OU football as well as Davis and Sulphur high school football. More than anything, he was his grandkids' biggest fan, showing up to support them in every single sport or activity they were part of. On sunny days, he loved taking his boat to the lake and pulling his grandkids and others around on the tube.

He had a broad appreciation for music, enjoying hard rock classics like The Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", as well as heavy metal favorites from Slipknot, with "Before I Forget" being a top choice. On rainy days, he could often be found watching classic 1950s films like Shane or screen adaptations of John Steinbeck classics like "Of Mice and Men" and "The Grapes of Wrath."

Travis was preceded in death by his parents, Connie Willard and Velva Corina Grinstead; his grandparents, Connie Jenkins Grinstead, Lula Beatrice Grinstead, Claude Rushing, and Hallie Malvina Collins Rushing; his grandson, Langston Kole Grinstead; and his nephew, Logan Travis Grinstead.

He is survived by his son, Clinton McClain Grinstead and Randi Nowlin of Davis; his daughter, Courtney Grinstead Yingling and Jason of Davis; their mother, Rolanda Rogers; his two cherished granddaughters, Jolee Grinstead of Davis and Abby Eason and Ty Birkes of Davis; his grandson, Tryston Nowlin of Davis; and his great-granddaughter, Brayleigh Grinstead, and great-grandson, Hudson Grinstead.

He is also survived by his siblings: sister Teresa Hurlocker and husband David of Poteau, brother Keith Grinstead of Sulphur, and sister Brenda Pyle and husband Steven of Sulphur; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Above all, Travis loved his family fiercely, leaving them with unforgettable stories, gentle wisdom, and an enduring bond of love.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Davis. Reverend David Hurlocker will officiate the service.

Services have been "Entrusted to" HALE'S FUNERAL HOME, of DAVIS

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.