Johnie “Ray” West passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, May 8, 2022 and went to be with our Lord and Savior at the age of 86.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Donna Sue West. Also preceding Ray in death were his parents, James Robert West and Ella Miller West; his siblings, Bill Moody, James Wesley West, Louanna West Crowe, and James “Bo” Parris; and a granddaughter, Lauren Hugelmaier.
He will be lovingly remembered by his sons and daughters, Thomas (Adele) Hanks, Frank Hanks, Lori (Dale) Hugelmaier, Cathy Hanks, Jim West, and John (Barbara) West. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Tina Coleman, Beth Agner, Stephanie Ashe Morrow, Paul West, Jay Jay West, Dawnenna Calhoun, Dr. Rachel Hanks, Will West, Erika Pint, Briana Evans, Tamra Awtrey, Justus Hanks, Hope Hanks; 17 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Also surviving is his fur baby, King Louis “Behave” West.
Ray was a very faithful and dedicated man to his God and to his Church. He was a US Army, Navy, and Air Force veteran, serving for over 11 years. He was a community service member, serving as a volunteer fire chief (call #212) and an EMT (call #115).
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 at Macedonia Baptist Church in Cherokee with Rev. Dan Conseen and Rev. Matthew Tooni officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, May 11 from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Yellow Hill Veterans Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be members of Cherokee Fire and Rescue and EMS.