James McArthur “Mac” West
James McArthur “Mac” West
March 21, 2015
“Adron called,” he said; and on Saturday, March 21, 2015, a great, big, loving heart stopped beating. James McArthur “Mac” West left this life surrounded by family, to begin his next life back in the arms of the woman he loved with all he had.
Mac graduated in 1960 from Belgreen High School. He was a member of the West Highland Baptist Church. He retired from Golden Poultry. Mac was an avid Alabama Football fan. He loved history and would happily read any book he could get his hands on. He was very knowledgeable; although, some may question his sanity for marrying a woman with four small children. He loved his wife in the good times and even more through sickness and death. He buried his love only 7 months ago. The adoration he held for his children and grandchildren was just as evident. For a man who didn’t drive, he would be at as many ballgames, graduations, and any other activity he could. Like his wife, he had a soft spot for animals, especially his cats, Tabitha and Lucky. Mac or Paw-Paw as some of us like to call him was a simple man, a humble man, and a hard worker. He was also a patriot and proudly hung the flag on his door.
He loved his country. He loved it enough to fight for it. Mac served his country honorably in the U.S. Army through the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, 2 Overseas Bars, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal 1960, and a Sharpshooter designation.
Mac was preceded in death by his wife, Adron; parents, Walter West and Mary Ann Palmer West; and brothers, Thurman Williams and Thurl West.
He leaves behind his children, Tresa Holt and husband, Cecil, Robin McCollum and husband, Tim, Donna Clark and husband, David, and Dale Hamilton and wife, Rose Marie; his grandchildren, Brendon and Adam McCollum, Caroline Clark, and Andrew Hamilton; his sisters, Alma Holland, Jean James, and Mary Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation was Tuesday at Spry Memorial Chapel in Russellville with a memorial service immediately following in the chapel. Burial was at K.P. Cemetery with full military honors.
Paw-Paw, keep smiling big for us. We love you. We’ll miss you, and tell Grandma we said hey.
