Clayton, NC—Christopher (Chris) Mitchell West, age 50, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, July 11, 2021 after a courageous, lifelong fight with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL).
Christopher was born on August 2, 1970 in Kansas City, MO to Louis West and the late Barbara Lane West. In addition to his mother, Christopher was preceded in death by his infant brother, Louis George, his sister-in-law, Christy Paul, and his grandparents Wallace and Earline West and Earl and Donnie Mae Snipes.
Chris met his wife, Heather Paul West, in Richmond, VA in 1996 while they were attending graduate school. They married on July 24, 1999. Anyone who knew Chris recognized how much he loved and cherished his wife. He was a devoted, faithful, and fun-loving husband who loved Heather unconditionally during their almost 22 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, father, and loving step-mother, Phyllis, Christopher is survived by his sister, Tiffany West Wiggins and her husband Stephen; nieces Alex Wiggins Pickard, Camryn Wiggins, and Kelyn Wiggins; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Joan Paul; step-siblings Barbara McKee and Billy Gomez, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Christopher was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. As a church deacon and small group leader for many years, Christopher wanted others to know the unconditional and life changing love of Jesus. Despite many health challenges, Christopher’s steadfast faith was his anchor and source of peace.
In 2000, Christopher obtained a Juris Doctorate from the Pennsylvania State University. Prior to that, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University. As an attorney, Christopher practiced in the areas of medical malpractice and workers compensation. A member of the North Carolina State Bar, both Christopher’s clients and professional colleagues respected him for his intellect, integrity, and humble nature.
In addition to spending time with family and friends, Christopher was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball and ECU sports fan. He also enjoyed hunting and target shooting with his father, uncles and close friends.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 15, 2021 in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home. Pastor Phillip Hamm will officiate. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, in Clayton, NC. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at dignitymemorial.com. Donations in Christopher’s memory may be made to VHL Family Alliance at www.vhl.org.
