On Wednesday, July 15, Fred Huffine West, 91, of Sanford, NC, passed away surrounded by his loving family.
Fred was born in Hampton, Tennessee to “Joke” and Nellie West. He graduated from Hampton High School and enlisted in the Air Force. After being honorably discharged, he went on to graduate from East Tennessee State University with degrees in physics and mathematics. He married the love of his life, Helen Jenkins, on August 18, 1962. Fred and Helen moved to Sanford after he took a job with Cornell Dubiller as an electrical engineer, where he worked until Cornell closed. At that time, Fred took a job teaching electronics at Triton High School.
Fred was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa who cherished his family above all else. He found great joy in the outdoors, whether he was hunting, fishing, tending to his yard, or working in his garden. A faithful member of Rocky Fork Christian Church, Fred dedicated countless hours serving his church family and living out his faith through acts of kindness and service. He will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love for nature, his unwavering faith, and the lasting impact he made on his family, friends, and community.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents (“Joke” and Nellie West), his sister (Agnes “Sis” Lane), his brother (Jim West), and his son (Joe West). He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Helen West; son, John West and his wife Karen West; Daughter-in-law: Jeanne West; Nephew: Mitchell West (Marilyn); grandchildren: Brad Byrd (Jennifer), Brian Byrd (Dina), Jordan West, and Sammie Godfrey (Brent); great-grandchildren: Dylan Byrd, Gracie Byrd, Aiden Byrd, Callie Byrd, Ethan Barefoot, Emma Barefoot, Olivia Byrd, Charli Byrd, and Paisley Godfrey.
The funeral will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Rocky Fork Christian Church, 4246 Rocky Fork Christian Church Rd. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the cemetery fund at Rocky Fork Christian Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory of Vass.
