Billy Earl West

Retired CMSAF Billy West, son of the late Thomas Walker West and Annie Persons West, was born July 26th, 1925, in Electric Mills, MS. At an early age, he and his siblings had many hard days working the fields to help provide for his large family.

At the age of 18 in October 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country during WWII. After completing basic training at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, MS, he was sent to the Pacific Theater where he was stationed on the USS Hornet as a rear gunner on TBF Avengers. As word arrived that his brother, Thomas Wardell West (Army), had passed away because of injuries sustained in France during combat, he was pulled off the line due to being the only surviving son of his family. He served the remaining years of WWII as a radio operator until his honorable discharge in January 1946.

In August of 1947, Billy West re-enlisted in the United States Air Force. On September 30th, 1949, he married his late wife, Annie Jeannette Harford. On September 6, 1955, they brought their only child into the world, the late Cynthia Ann West.

In August 1975, Billy West retired as a Chief Master Sergeant while stationed at the Columbus Air Force Base. He had many accomplishments throughout his military career and was well respected throughout the military community.

While retired, he dedicated many hours volunteering his time as a member of the Lion’s Club and as a Shriner. He loved to hunt, fish, and tend to his yard. At one point, he held the Boone and Crockett record in Noxubee County, MS. He was a member at Lake Norris Fishing Club, in Columbus, where he caught more White Perch “Crappie” than one could count in a day. Also, He and his wife loved to watch the Ole Miss Rebels play football and baseball, Hotty Toddy!

Before leaving Columbus to be closer to family in Alabama, he and his wife were active members at the First Baptist Church in Columbus. Once moved to Fairhope, AL, they became members of the First Baptist Church in Fairhope.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Annie West, brother Thomas Wardell West, sisters Margaret Watkins, Eloise Moffett, and Ermagene Bryan, wife, Annie Jeannette West and daughter, Cynthia Ann Thomas (Ted). He is survived by sisters Dorothy Coleman, Ernestine Foresman, and Lila Hammond. Also survived are his two grandsons, Justin Thomas (Erin) and his two children, Anna Grace and Hayes, grandson, Adam Thomas (Lenore) and his three children, LillyAnn, Lawson and Evvie, son in law, Ted Thomas (Teresa).

In closing, Billy West was a great man. He served his country, his family and God. Until the very end, he was grateful for the long life that he lived and appreciated the friends and family that were in his life. He was grateful for the staff at Crowne Place Assisted Living in Mobile as they went above and beyond to make him feel at home.

A very special thank you goes to the husband of his daughter, Cynthia, Ted Thomas. Ted remained in his life for the entire 22 years since she passed away in 2000. His love and care for Billy and Jeannette never wavered after Cindy’s death. Ted’s commitment to Billy’s wellbeing was unprecedented.