J.T. West

John Thomas "J.T." West, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2013 at MedWest – Haywood. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of John Thomas and Nellie Day West. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Gladys Harkins, Annie Wells and Vernie Pearl West; and two brothers, Harrison and Herschel West. He was owner and operator of J.T. West Maintenance Corporation. J.T. was very special to all who knew him. He was very dedicated to his work and had a strong work ethic. The words his family will always remember him saying are "Do your best at everything" which is the motto they live their lives by. J.T. was a 26 year veteran of the Pisgah Promenaders western group which he enjoyed dancing with his wife, Nancy, and also served as president from 1980 – 1981. He also clogged for three years with the Southern Appalachian Cloggers. Some of J.T.'s favorite things were working outdoors especially in his garden with his daylilies, watching westerns of which John Wayne was his favorite and he was a huge NASCAR fan. He will also be remembered for his joking nature and above all his love for his family and the Lord. He was a United States Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy Daves West, two sons, Ronald Wayne West and his wife, Bernadette of Canton and Jerry Thomas West of Selma, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Desireé Ruggiero and her husband, Daniel, Ronald Wayne West, II, and John Herschel West; two great-grandchildren, Sydney and Taylor Ruggiero; special nieces and nephews, Charles West, John West, Linda Sluder, Cricket West, and Wanda West, and several other nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2013 at the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Bruce Cayton officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service.

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