Norris Ray West
September 28, 1920 ~ February 17, 2002
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Born in Henrietta, NC, he was the son of the late Boyce and Mildred West.
He enlisted in the US Navy in 1940 and served for 30 years. He served in combat in WW II as a Chief Petty Officer. He was commissioned in 1959 and served as commanding officer of the USS Tombigbee, AOG during the Vietnam conflict.
His military decorations include the Good Conduct Medal(4 stars), the American Defense Service Medal(Bronze A), European, African, Middle Eastern Campaigns(4 stars), the Navy Occupation Service Medal, WW II Victory Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal.
Following his retirement, he moved to Arden where he became interested in agriculture and attended the future farmers school of agriculture at NC State Uiversity. He served with the Skyland Volunteer Fire Department and was active in the Biltmore Masonic Lodge, #446, serving twice as Master. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, KCCH, York Rite, Royal Order of Scotland and the Oasis Shrine past Master's unit. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Lance West; two daughters, Jeannie R. Watkins of Cave City, Arkansas, Jennifer F. George of Asheville; a son, David N. West of Arden; a grandson, Sgt. Walter A. Smith of Arizona; three great-grandchildren and four sisters, Cordelia Kilby of Placentia, CA, Dorothy Wallace of Fort Mill, SC, Sylvia Coffey and Cynthia Cook, both of Charlotte.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday at Avery's Creek Methodist Church Cemetery conducted by the Rev. Cecil Haynes. Masonic graveside rites will be conducted by the Biltmore Masonic Lodge #446. The lodge will open at 1:00 PM. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Buncombe County Veterans Council Memorial Team.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1:30 PM until 2:45 PM at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road.
Memorials may be made to one's favorite charity.
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I think a lot of Norris,and miss his a lot. May God bless your family, you are in my prays.
Tony Grigg, 32° KCCH Venerable Master
Mary, Vida Johnston Brown Feemster told me about Norris today. I talked to you at their 50th Celebration. As I told you then Gene and I were at Vance School together and I have a picture of him in the 3rd grade. I know Norris has been ill for a long time but we are never ready to give up our loved ones. The only comfort comes from Faith in a Sovereign God and the concern of caring friends. Please know we are thinking of you and your family at this time.
We are so sorry about Mr. West. When Mother and I visited Daddy, we always tried to look in on the Commander. We will miss him. God bless you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the family at this time. Norris was a very interesting person with whom I always enjoyed hearing about his military service. May the Lord receive him.
Dear Mary,
We didn’t know Norris well but
want to extend our sincere sympathy. We hold you in our prayers.
David & Jean Moore
Our deepest sympathies.
Dan & Norvelle