Obituary of Jimmie Gray West

Jimmie Gray West, age 83, of Alton Lane, Boone, passed away Sunday, March l, 2020 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Born September 9, 1936 in Wilkes County, He was a son of Rex Wilson West and Ella Mae Foster West. Jimmie, also known as Jim, loved music and was committed to His Savior, Jesus Christ. He served as a Minister of Music at Perkinsville Baptist Church for many years as well as at other local churches including Brushy Fork Baptist Church and Oak Grove Baptist Church. He also led the Hallelujah singers at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Jim was instrumental in establishing the 5th Sunday Night Singspiration singings and gathering churches within the Three Forks Baptist Association to join together in song. A loyal golfer, he loved the game just as much as music and, over the years, he played as much as he could with his many friends. Jim Never met a stranger. He spent many years working for Kerns Bakery as a bread salesman and supervisor, and still kept in touch with the men that worked with him and for him long after his retirement. He loved to sing with his four daughters and his eyes would always light up when any of his six grandchildren or three great-grandchildren came to see him. We will all miss his calls and singing to us over the phone. Jim loved his family so very much. Jimmie is survived by his wife, Ruby Hartley West; daughters, Kandy West-Taylor and husband, Randy, of Boone, Kathy Norville and husband, Scott of Greer, SC, Kimberly Via and husband, Gary, and Katie Every and husband, Collin, all of Lewisville; six granddaughters, Tabatha Taylor Wilcox and husband, Scott, Jordan Taylor Parkinson and husband, Dylan, Lindsay and Laney Norville, Briana Via, and Courtney Every; step-grandsons, Jeremy Via and Kevin Via and wife, Marley; three great-grandchildren, Andin, Rylie and Ellarie Wilcox; and his sister, Ann Cook and husband, Bob, of Boone. He was preceded in death by his son, Kelly Gray West, and one brother, Jerry West. A Celebration of Life Praise Service for Jim West will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 2 o'clock, at Perkinsville Baptist Church, officiated by Bill Edward Hartley, Jr. Friends may visit family members following services at the church. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Jim West, the family suggests memorials to a special fund being established and will be announced. Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the West family.