On Saturday, July 1, Joseph Hugh West “Joe”, 58, of Sanford, NC, passed away while trying to rescue a mother and two children caught in the current at Ft. Fisher.
Joe was a beloved husband, an amazing father, a loyal friend, a forever jokester and an avid outdoorsman. Hunting, fishing and picking on anyone and everyone were his passions. As his great niece Olivia described him “he was a hunter, a fisher, and a picker.” He was a member of several hunting clubs over the years. Joe was a founding member of Red Branch Hunt Club as well as a member of DC Blue, Fellowship and Federal Hunt Clubs. He loved being outdoors, he loved sharing his passion with his only daughter, Sammie, and many of the youth involved with the clubs, and his “flying monkeys “(Liam, Jack, and Brent) at Lee Christian School. Joe along with his wife Jeanne coached softball, both with Lee County Parks and Rec and at Lee Christian School for 14 years. He served as Booster Club President at Lee Christian School for several years. Joe retired in February after a 32-year career in Environmental Health, having worked in the counties of Lee, Harnett and Anson. Through his Environmental Health career, Joe met his loving wife, Jeanne, when they were in “dirt” school together. Joe was a lifelong member of Rocky Fork Christian Church where he was the “jack of all trades”. Whatever needed to be done Joe did it, that is the way he lived life every day. His was a life of service. The day he left us was supposed to be a day enjoying one of his favorite things, fishing with family and friends. However, in true Joe fashion, he saw people in need and jumped in to help, never worrying about himself.
Joe was a kind and gentle man that never met a stranger. Joe impacted so many lives, from the hunting clubs to the kids he mentored and/or coached. Joe was the kind of man who seemed to know everyone. He was a hero to many long before he selflessly gave his life trying to save complete strangers.
He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Jeanne Riddick West; daughter, Sammie Jo Godfrey and husband Brent Godfrey of Cameron; Parents: Fred & Helen West of Sanford; Brother John West (Karen) of Sanford; Brother in Law: Eugene Riddick of Blanch NC; Nephews: Brad Byrd (Jennifer), Brian Byrd (Dina), Jordan West, and Alan Riddick; Niece: Kelli Rosser (Brad); great nephews: Dylan, Aiden, Ethan; great nieces: Gracie, Callie, Olivia, Emma, Charli as well as beloved cousins, and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 3:00 pm at Rocky Fork Christian Church, 4246 Rocky Fork Christian Church Rd. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317. Joe loved NASCAR races, but he loved kids more, as he was the biggest kid of all, and we think this would be an awesome way to honor his memory.
His smile and heart will be forever missed. Until we meet again.
The family suggests that you wear Camo or Blaze Orange on Saturday in Joe’s honor.
The family would like for any members of the hunt clubs Joe was a part of to stand together during the graveside service as honorary pallbearers.
John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Vass.
