Earl Edmond West went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.
Earl was born June 6, 1933, to the late Edmond and Palice West of Andrews and was the son-in-law of the Rev. Weldon and Amylee West. He was the oldest of nine siblings.
He is survived by the love of his life of 68 years, Barbara “Bobbie” West; daughters, Iris West Nichols and son-in-law Steve Nichols of Charlotte, and Dianne West Derreberry and son-in-law Roger Derreberry of Lenoir. He is also survived by grandchildren: Shannon Derreberry, Michael Derreberry, Malinda Nichols Daniel and Robert Nichols; and great-grandchildren: Lakyn Story, Josikiah Miller, Elliot and Baxter Daniel, and Penelope Nichols. Earl is also survived by a brother, Kenneth West of Andrews.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 5, at Valleytown Baptist Church. Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. prior to the service at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Valleytown Cemetery. Sons-in-law, Pastor Roger Derreberry and Steve Nichols, will conduct the service. Pallbearers will be the deacons of Valleytown Baptist Church and grandsons Robert Nichols and Mike Derreberry. Honorary pallbearers will be his “fishing buddies.”
Earl had many characteristics, which made him loved by his family, friends and church.
As a young to middle aged man, Earl spent many nights with his dogs hunting raccoons. He knew every knob, ridge and creek where a raccoon might be.
Through the years, Earl has had many dogs. For the past 11 years, Samson has been by his side, a loyal companion and friend.
Earl loved to fish; he was so patient that he could catch a fish when no one else could. However, fishing became an excuse for him and his fishing buddies to get together and cook supper in the gorge. You know, there was always plenty for anyone to stop by. And Barbara’s lemon pie was Earl’s favorite dessert to take.
Earl had a gift when it came to gardening. Anything he put in the ground would grow. His garden always produced enough to share with his friends and neighbors.
The most precious thing to Earl was his family. He was the happiest when Barbara, his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were with him. He loved to watch and listen as the great-grandkids played at his feet. His hands were always willing to build them birdhouses and help paint them.
Earl loved his Lord and his constant desire was to walk closer with Him daily. He served and retired as a deacon of Valleytown Baptist Church.
Earl, Daddy and Earl Pa will be missed, but will always be present in the lives of his family.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com.