REV. T.C. WEST JR.
May 9, 1933-Nov. 11, 2011
LAGRANGE -- The Rev. Thaddeus Clifton West Jr., 78, LaGrange, passed away Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.
T.C. was born May 9, 1933, in Wayne County to the late Thaddeus Clifton West Sr. and Lilla Best West.
He served his country in the United States Army.
T.C. graduated from Atlantic Christian College, and later received a master's degree from East Carolina University in education and administration.
He worked with Goldsboro/Wayne County Schools for 31 years as a teacher and principal. T.C. served Pikeville Union, Rosewood, Goldsboro Junior High, Goldsboro High School West, Dillard and Norwayne schools as a teacher or administrator.
He attended Duke Divinity School, and served his Lord as an ordained minister for 50 years. During his 50-year ministry, T.C. served the Lord as a Methodist minister at Zion, Indian Springs, Seven Springs, Jerusalem, Airboro, Garris Chapel, Bethel, Beston and Walker Memorial. He presently served as chaplain for Goldsboro Milling Co., and was a member of the Wayne County Sheriff's Office advisory committee.
T.C. taught Sunday school at St. Luke United Methodist Church, and was an active member of Goldsboro Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast.
As a young man, T.C. played semi-pro baseball in Wayne County, and later was very active in youth baseball in Eastern Wayne County.
He was a member of New Hope Ruritan Club, and a former member of New Hope Volunteer Fire Department.
T.C. enjoyed gardening and working in his yard and was well known for his barbecue sauce. He enjoyed speaking to groups and was well known in the area as a devotional and motivational speaker.
T.C. was a Christian example of service to his Lord, family and community.
T.C. greatly enjoyed following his grandchildren to their many activities.
A graveside service of remembrance was held Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery, with the Rev. Adam Seate officiating.
T.C. is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ellen Gray West; four children, Thad West and wife, Barbara, of Goldsboro, Dianne Johnson and husband, Johnny, of Goldsboro, Tim West and wife, Jodi, of LaGrange and Chris West and wife, Paula, of Goldsboro; sister, Marjorie West of Goldsboro; and 12 grandchildren, Elizabeth West, Hanna West, Ty West, Clay West, Tate West, Morgan Johnson, Grace West, Anna West, Emalia West, Coy West, Cade West and Brylee West.
The family received friends Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home and at other times they will be at the home of Johnny and Dianne Johnson, 2052 Mark Edwards Road, Goldsboro.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Memorials may be made to Duke Children's Hospital, Office of Development, 512 S. Mangum St., Durham, N.C., 27701.
Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home of LaGrange.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on November 14, 2011 1:50 PM