James Larry West

James Larry West, known affectionately as Larry by his friends and family, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2023, in Easley, South Carolina. Born on April 9, 1945, in Calhoun, Georgia, Larry's journey through life was marked by devotion to his faith, love for his family, and a passion for education and service.

Larry's early years in Calhoun laid the foundation for a life of unwavering faith and intellectual curiosity. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Georgia at Athens, where he nurtured his love for history and became an avid fan of the University of Georgia's sports teams. Afterwards, Larry also attended seminary school which led him to a full life of church service.

His commitment to the Catholic Church was a cornerstone of his existence. Larry dedicated 27 years to serving as an active Catholic deacon, a role he fulfilled with grace and humility in five different dioceses across Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and within the United States Army. His service was not just a duty but a calling, through which he touched the lives of countless individuals with his compassionate guidance and unwavering support.

Larry's intelligence and passion for the Gospel were evident to all who knew him. He was a man of deep convictions, always ready to share his knowledge of the Bible and the rich tapestry of history that he so loved. His faith-filled life was a testament to his character, inspiring those around him to seek out their own paths with courage and determination.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 ½ years, Elaine West, who stood by his side in a partnership that was a source of strength and joy for both. His legacy lives on through his children, Van A West, Vaughn H West, and Donna Whitaker, who will carry forward the values of kindness and integrity that he embodied. Larry's life was further enriched by the love of his grandchildren, Tyler West, Taylor West, Bayleigh Holder, Kayla Roe, Hope Whitaker, Brandon Whitaker, Ali Alonso, Jeffrey Holden, and Britany Holden, each of whom brought immense joy and pride to his life. He also leaves a long family history with 17 great grandchildren.

Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Harry West, and his parents, Eulas and Amer West. The memory of their shared moments and the values they instilled in him remained a guiding force throughout his life.

In his journey through life, Larry West left an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of those he encountered. His was a life lived with purpose and love, a beacon of faith that illuminated the paths of many. He will be remembered not just for the roles he fulfilled but for the man he was: faith-filled, intelligent, and passionate.

As we bid farewell to Larry, we take solace in the knowledge that his spirit lives on in the lives he touched and the good work he accomplished. He was a man who truly walked in the light of his beliefs, and his presence will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Larry West was a pillar of his community, a devoted servant of God, and a cherished husband, father, and grandfather. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the impact one individual can have by living a life anchored in faith and guided by love. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy is one of enduring love and unwavering faith.

This obituary is protected by the Cremation Society of SC-Westville Funerals, “Project Safe Obituary Program” which has been designed to guard against the unauthorized reproduction or redistribution, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the funeral home. The Cremation Society of SC-Westville Funerals, “Project Safe Obituary Program” has been established to help the funeral home and the families we serve protect the dignity and respect for the deceased and the Integrity of Funeral Service against any third-party commercialization. The use of this written work is strictly prohibited, whether that be through illegal means of electronically or manually scraping this obituary for monetary or non-monitory gain, from any site where this obituary is posted. Our goal is to stop the gathering of well-intended words of condolences and support on these third-party sites that will never make it to their intended audience at a time when families can use them the most. As with all written works, this obituary is protected under copyright laws, and any infringements will be reported to the authorities and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.