Alva C. West II

Alva Clarence “Al” West II, Outreach Pastor at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Bauxite (Sardis Community), Arkansas, passed into glory on Monday morning, April 25, 2016, aged 73. Born to Jack F. and Mary West, he graduated high school in Goodman, Missouri. He earned his bachelor degree from John Brown University and worked many years in Northwest Arkansas. Most recently, he and his wife, Nelda, worked as Hunger Sites coordinators with the Arkansas Baptist Convention. Al devoted his life to bettering the physical and spiritual lives of others through hands-on leadership in both community and faith-based organizations. His lengthy résumé of humanitarian service included the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, the Job Training Partnership Act, FORGE and the Office of Human Concern. Al was a veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army, last serving in the peace-keeping forces in Eastern Europe, retiring as a Sergeant First Class (E-7). He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Sharon Jeanette West. He is survived by his wife, Nelda West; daughters, Shari Hawley and husband Martin of Georgia and Mindy Hart and husband Robert of Fayetteville; step-son, Donald Lee Haynes of Prescott, Arkansas; step-daughter, Terrie Slatton of Delight, Arkansas; granddaughter, Stephanie Carpenter and husband Levi; grandson, Robby Hart; great-grandson, Jacen Carpenter; and sister, Deborah Wilson and husband Calvin of Missouri. Funeral service will be Thursday, April 28, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Rev. Rick Porter officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be Friday, April 29, at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Hiwasse, Arkansas, Rev. Martin Hawley officiating. Arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Forest Hills.