Johnnie Ray West

Johnnie was born May 18,1933 in Lynchburg, VA to the late Ray and Alease West. He grew up an incredible athlete known as “Skippy.” During his time proudly serving his country in Okinawa, Japan during the Korean Conflict he represented the US Army in a number of sports but excelled in baseball. He remained a participant and fan of sports throughout his life. He was playing softball well into his 70s and took enormous pride in watching, coaching and cheering on his children and grandchildren as they played and coached.

Johnnie accepted the Lord as his Savior at 30 years old at Thomas Road Baptist Church. He became a passionate student of God’s Word for the rest of his life and never passed up an opportunity to share his faith with others. One of his favorite Bible verses was Romans 8:28…And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

He was an avid reader, a well-studied historian, a staunch business owner, proud Gideon, and the essence of a gentleman. He was never without a good story and behind each story was a lesson that he wanted you to learn. He also taught the importance of fun and a well placed joke, which always resulted in his mischievous grin and distinct laugh.

Johnnie loved his family and was never without time for them. He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of character, integrity, and hard work in whatever their endeavors were. A man of quiet strength, he was greatly respected by his family, friends and community.

He was a long time member of Triad Baptist Church in Kernersville where he served as a Sunday school teacher and member of the Faithful Friends.

In addition to his parents, Johnnie was preceded in death by his brother Richard West, his sister Merle Staton, and his great grandson Kyler Page. He is survived by the love of his life and bride of 54 years, Evelyn West, children: Kim Fox (David), Johnnie West Jr. (Tammy), Gary Page (Terri), Scott West, Jeff Page (Julie); ten grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; his brother Howard West (Ellen) and sister Carol Wooldridge.

A visitation will be held Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Triad Baptist Church, Kernersville, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in Eastlawn Gardens of Memory in Kernersville following the service.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jake Page, Corey Page, Jeremy Miller, Ryan Logan, Austin West and Brandon Ingram.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Johnnie’s memory may be made to The Gideons International. https://www.gideons.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.voglerfuneralhome.com for the West family.