ELLERBE — Glenn Thomas “Tommy” West, 77, of Ellerbe, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at FirstHealth Hospice in West End.
Mr. West was born Feb. 20, 1946 in Richmond County, a son of the late William Bradley “Bill” and Bessie Crow West.
He was a graduate of Hamlet High School, Class of 1964, and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Prior to going to Vietnam, he was the founder of the Fabulous Shantellas Band and after returning from the war was responsible for naming the Eastern Seaboard Band (now Seaboard Band).
He also played with the Stagecoach band in later years. He worked for CSX Railroad and also owned Clearview Blind Cleaning Service. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, looking for arrowheads and other artifacts, auctions and gardening, he could grow most anything.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William B. “Bill” West Jr.; and a chosen son and special buddy, Kevin Allred.
Surviving are his wife, Betty Smith West; children, Sarah West Kemp (John) and Sam West (Lisa); grandchildren, Sydney Kemble-West, Mack West, Billy West, Johnathan Kemp and Bradley Kemp; special cousins, Jane McCracken Mercer and Bobby Conder; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Rourk Presbyterian Church with Pastor Mike Price officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will greet friends from 12:45–1:45 p.m. Tuesday at the church and at other times at the home.
Memorials may be made to Rourk Presbyterian Church or to FirstHealth Hospice.
Condolences may be made online at carterfuneral.net.
