The Macon Telegraph (GA)
April 11, 2010
Thomas C. West, 66, passed away on Friday, April 9, 2010 at his home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Funeral services and a celebration of his life will be held on Monday, April 12, 2010 at 11a.m. at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will be in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Fuller and Brother Vincent DePaul officiating. The family will greet friends on Sunday, April 11, 2010 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Mr. West was born on July 14, 1943 in Daytona Beach, Florida to the late Sam Thomas West and Sarah Hulbert West. Tommy served in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy Reserve for six years. He received as Associate Degree in Business from Macon Jr. College in 1971. He worked for Southern Bell for eight years and then at Warner Robins Air Force Base in the avionics computer division, which he retired from in 2008 after thirty-six years of service.
Tommy was an accomplished trumpet player and an avid lover of music. He formed his own dance band, The Sensations, and played for many special occasions throughout the state of Georgia. One of his fondest memories was performing with the "Platters" and the "Temptations" during their Macon tours. Tommy played the trumpet regularly at Christmas and Easter specials and many weddings and other special events.
Tommy's passion was his grandchildren, especially their yearly trips to the mountains and the beach. He set an example of Christian values and beliefs for them through his kind spirit and endearing personality. He started dating the love of his life, Penny, in the 9th grade and they continued to be an example to all of commitment and love throughout their forty-six years of marriage. Tommy and Penny attended Midway Baptist Church in Lizella.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Penelope (Penny) Anne Stulz West; two daughters, Deborah Anne Kelley (Eddie), Wendy Alyce Hulett (Mike); his mother, Sarah West; sister, Patricia West Jameson (Philip); and grandchildren, Savannah, Madison, Evan and Jenna; nieces, Bonnie Jameson Greenbaum, Becky Jameson Horner, Mary Jameson Presnell, Heather Rowntree Mathis and Amanda Rowntree Jones; nephew, John Philip Jameson; brother-in-law, David Rowntree (Zeta); and father-in-law, Earl H. Rowntree.
In addition the family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. William Fackler, Dr. Scott Davidson, and nurse, Donna Bird, Dr. Frederick M. Schnell and his staff, especially, Teresa Howard, Dr. Jonathan Dean and Hospice of Central Georgia for their compassionate care during Tommy's illness.
Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery has charge of the arrangements.
