John A. "Johnny" West

John Alexander West “Johnny” was born on July 7, 1936, to Daniel Alexander and Leola Minerva Horton West in Kershaw, SC. He passed away July 6, 2022, at home, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was employed by Kendall, later acquired by International Paper, where he retired in 1993 after 36.5 years. He was an active member of Abney Lodge 211, Kershaw County Marine Corp League, Sons of the Confederacy, and the American Legion. He served on the Board of Directors for Lynches River Cooperative for 33 years.

Johnny loved his family and his friends more than anything. He often talked for hours on the phone to his best friends and loved visits with his family. He loved the Lord and his church, attending regularly. He loved his Marine Corp dearly, frequently telling his family “Once a marine, always a marine” and he celebrated the Marine Corp birthday every year. He also loved the beach, traveling, dogs, social events, and peanut butter.

Mr. West traveled to 49 states throughout his life - most with his wife - only missing out on Hawaii; as well as many countries while serving in the Marine Corp.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 65 years, Myra West; two daughters, Christy Knight and Karen Faile (Bryan); three grandchildren, Daniel Knight (Beth), Amanda Ruiz (Jason), and Jordyn Faile Duncan (Rutledge); four great-grandchildren, Karris and Keller Knight and Jackson and Connor Ruiz; a sister, Nancy Hilton; and several special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers, Thomas West and Walter West, and sisters, Margie Watson, Kate Reeves, Sarah Evans, and Mabel West.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 9 from 1-3 pm at Providence Baptist Church. A funeral service celebrating his life will begin immediately following, at 3 pm, officiated by Rev. Todd Gandy. Burial will follow in the Providence Baptist Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to give a donation in his memory, the family suggests The Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Amedisys Hospice.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and “we love you” to his caregivers. Norma Jean, Lisa, Jeannie, Savana, and Abby - his last several months were made better with your loving care. To Sally, Shealey, and Kiki - for their support of him while caring for Mrs. West. They would also like to thank Amedisys Hospice for the care they gave to him and Dr. Butler and Ashley and the best chemo nurses, Anne and Dusty, at SCOA for their care over the last several years.

Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.bakerfunerals.com and will be delivered to the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C.