Allen West Obituary

Allen Harley West CHARLESTON - Allen Harley West, 64, of Charleston, SC, passed away on July 9, 2015 at his residence. Allen was born on March 8, 1951, in Gainesville, FL, a son of the late Franklin Griffith West and the late Mary Alice Hackett West. Music was a big part of Allen's life. From the time he was 14 years old, he played the drums with several bands in Charleston, including The Dardanelles and The Allusions. After serving two years in the United States Coast Guard Reserves in Charleston, he went back to school. Allen graduated from Austin Peay University and Vanderbilt University, with a master's degree in nuclear medicine technology. Allen was a professor of nuclear medicine technology at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas and the University of Alabama, Birmingham. In Texas, he worked at the M. D. Andersen Cancer Center. Allen's family and Jennifer remember him as having a big heart. Survivors include three brothers: Franklin G. West, Jr. and his wife, Jo Ann, of Wando, SC; Edward H. West and his wife, Gwen, of Summerville, SC; and John B. West and his wife, Kate Everingham, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; and a number of beloved nieces and nephews. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McAlister-Smith.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 2501 BEES FERRY ROAD, CHARLESTON, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston