Travis Leonard Bianchi, 79, of Blythewood, SC, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on January 26, 2025. He was born in Blythewood in 1945 to Charles Americus Bianchi, Sr. and Lena Marie (Eargle) Bianchi. Travis was born in the same house he died in, while living some of his younger years in Newberry, SC, Charlotte, NC, and Hanahan, SC.
Travis graduated from Blythewood High School and then studied history at Newberry College. He completed his Master’s degree in history education at the University of South Carolina. After completing school, Travis taught social studies at the middle school level. He kept his students’ attention with great stories and even greater neckties.
After teaching, Travis went on to work as an archeologist, zookeeper, and employee of the United States Postal Service. He worked on projects that preserved historical artifacts and records from a number of large construction projects across the Southeast.
Travis was married to Patricia Shuford Bianchi for 57 years. They were married in Lincolnton, NC in 1967. From a lucky blind date through to their well-deserved retirement together, they pursued adventures in farming, pottery, love of nature, and keeping up with a gaggle of dogs.
He believed in public service and activism to help build a better community. Travis served on the Richland County Zoning Board and helped found the Cedar Creek Citizens Community to ensure development was balanced with respect and care for our natural environment.
Continuing the family tradition, Travis farmed and worked to be as self-sufficient as possible using organic gardening methods. He was an avid outdoorsman who spent many early mornings and late afternoons in the woods hunting and fishing while also working to protect the forests and animal populations that he treasured.
Memories of Travis will be cherished by his wife Patsy, his son Adam (Jennifer), his grandson Atticus, his nephew Marion (Annette), and the many friends he made on his explorations through life. Travis was predeceased by his father Charles, his mother Marie, his brother and sister-in-law Charles and Juanita, and his nephew Charlie.
The family will have a private burial, with a public celebration of life to be held later in the springtime.
Memorials can be made to any of the organizations that he cared for:
- Oliver Gospel Mission at https://www.olivergospel.org/
- Coastal Conservation at https://coastalconservationleague.org/
- Pets, Inc. at https://petsinc.org/
- American Red Cross at https://www.redcross.org/
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.
