Claude Wesley West, Sr.

Claude Wesley West, Sr., age 76, of Riceville, passed away Monday morning at Starr Regional Medical Center - Athens Campus.  He is a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, and a member of Christ Community Church.  He proudly served his country and is a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp, and retired from Honeywell Corporation in Cleveland.  He enjoyed gardening and spending time with family, friends, and his dog "Bo".

He is preceded in death by his parents, Authur West and Martha Geralds Watts; sons, Michael West, and Steven West; daughter, Lisa West; brother, Charles West; his first wife, Elsie Gibson West; stepson and stepdaughter, Sharon and Jeff Rogers and a grandson, Brandon Shepherd.

Claude is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Thelma West; children Joy West of Athens, Wesley (Susie) West of Riceville, and Tammy (Chris) Rayburn of Englewood; eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers Kerry (Nancy) West of Cleveland, Bill (Alice) West of Athens; several nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends.

The funeral service will be conducted Friday, September 22, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home of Etowah with the Rev. Carlos Peterson officiating.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Starr Regional Medical Center and especially Chelsea Green, for their compassionate care.

For online condolences, please visit www.serenityfunerals.com

Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Etowah is in charge of the arrangements.