Raymond West Obituary

Sending tons of birthday hugs, love & wishes on the wind. I celebrate you & the gift of our friendship today, and every day! Love you!

11 years, and still not a day goes by that I don't miss you: your sense of humor, your kindness & compassion, and your absolutely unconditional friendship & love. You made such a huge and lasting imprint on my heart, and my world is so much better for having known you. Our friendship will always be one of my life's greatest treasures. I miss you & love you, my sweet Southern friend - every single day.

I think of you often. Miss you my friend.

Thank you for being part of my life.

I'm loss for words. I was actually looking for one of my dearest friends, and all I could remember was Raymond. Her dad was always the best dad to her and all of her friends. You were truly a wonderful person and I will always remember you welcoming me in your home. A great person

Thinking about ya. I hope you are keeping them fed well in Heaven like you did for us at the Fire Station. Miss you Bud!

Thinking of you a lot these days. You will always be a treasured piece of my heart. Miss you, my sweet Southern friend...a lot.

I still think about you a lot and how blessed I am to have crossed paths with you. Until we meet again buddy!

Missing my sweet Southern friend. Yong Cha and Jessica you are in my thoughts & heart.

You are in my thoughts regularly. I miss being able to have heart to heart discussions with you.

Oh what wonderful memories I have of Raymond, Betty, Uncle Dean and Aunt Clemmie coming to Cordele to visit with us. I would also love to go to their home in Sumter, SC to visit. I will miss you so much, Raymond! You were like an older brother to me. Thanks for all the wonderful talks we had over the years.
Rest in the arms of Jesus and enjoy visiting with all the family that has gone on to be with our Lord.
I love you and I will see you again!

Worked with Ray in the early 80's. He opened his house and church to me. He taught this Yankee what good food really is! He was a good friend and a fellow fire fighter with a warm heart.

Mr. West is one of my favorite firefighters that I have worked for and been around in my 34 years of service. Chief West is the complete man one strives to be throughout their whole existance. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

Mr West was a great man, a great Boss, one of the most Intelligent men Ive ever met. I'l forever miss the stories and the Head-to-Heads with Buddy (It was like watching the movie Grumpy Old Men live in person- Priceless!)You were a great Cook and Mentor and you were always there for me (you took care of me). But best of All, you were a Godly Christian Man. You are Home Boss and I will see you again someday my friend.

A wonderful across the street neighbor! He was always so helpful, kind and knew about everything! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm praying the Lord will Bless you with Peace, Comfort, Strength and Courage to get through this. Ray was a kind man with a contagious laugh and no matter how bad your day was you always felt better after spending time with him. I am so glad we got to see him not long ago in Church at Coastal Shores and I know one day we will hear his laughter again in Heaven. Until then he will always be remembered with a smile .

I got to know Ray while working at Charleston County Aviation Authority, he had a nice sense of humor. He had such a humble way about him. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

When you think of CAFB you think of the icons, Mr. West was one of them, funny, intelligent, great cook, can't look at a fried turkey or watch Jeopardy without thinking of him. You'll live on forever in our memories Ray.

My brother and my friend not only was my life enriched by you but the lives of all those you can came in contact with. You will receive your rewards when you meet our HEAVENLY FATHER.

Welcome HOME MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. YONG CHA AND JESSICA OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

Ray, words simply cannot describe the impact you have had on my life. I will never forget the countless days and nights we pondered life while eating some great food at CAFB FD. You will be greatly missed by everyone you have touched. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and extended family during this tough time, but you are in a peaceful place where I know you will continue your heartwarming efforts. The world is a better place because of you Ray. God Bless Brother.

You were one of the most beautiful people I have ever known, and such a treasured friend. My life is truly richer because you were in it, and I am forever grateful. I love you, my sweet Southern friend...you are sorely missed.

Best friend, yard buddy, greatest neighbor ever

My thoughts and prayers go out to the West family. Chief West was not only a mentor to me, but also a good friend. I can still hear his hearty laughter and that brings a smile to my face.

It was an honor to work with such a great man. As many have said, Chief West was a firefighter's firefighter. Rest in Peace Chief. See you at the big one.

Raymond you were one great person in all aspects. You were loved by all and will truly be missed. Over the years you have touched so many people in so many ways. You could always be counted on and always ready to help. We traveled around and had some great times and the memories will never be forgotten. Raymond your Ops team at The Airport will never forget you and enjoyed all the stories of BEE-BO'S ADVENTURES. Even if no one believes them.... we know they were true....Well my brother I am lost for words. Thanks for always being there and we did make a great team...May you rest in peace.

The man, the myth, the legend! Mr. Chief West, The Doctor, will be missed tremdendously. I am so blessed to have known such a sweet man. He taught me so much. I'll always remember our monthly coffee runs and lunches, and all the shopping for the bobo's for the get togethers. I can still hear his words of wisdom, parables, and jokes and stories and his laughter... I miss you Mr. West, I have since you've retired. The Fire Dept was never the same, now the world isn't.

Stephanie Pyles Hersey

Mr. West was the first person I met when I walked into Charleston AFB's fire house on Oct 19, 1983. He tagged me with my nickname which still stands to this day...SKI. He was a good man and mentor. Rest in peace. God bless his family as my prayers and thoughts are with them.
Marty Cybulski "Ski"

Ray, words simply cannot express the impact you have had on my life. The many days and nights we spent together pondering life while eating some really good food at CAFB FD. I know you are in a better place, bringing your wisdom and recipes along with you. You will be dearly missed and I extend my thoughts and prayers to your entire family and extended family all around the world. Stay safe brother.

REST IN PEACE RAY

Since I met you, Ray, I've never cooked another turkey in the oven. I'm still uncertain what "The Thang" really had in it, but we ate well when we were there. Thanks, my friend, and may you rest in peace!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the West family for your loss. Raymond was not only the Fire District Board Treasurer, but a good friend and technical expert in all things FD related. We will miss his leadership and support.
The Ashley River Fire Department

When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing it will be. When Ray saw Jesus, he sang and shouted the victory. Ray is surely to be missed by all on this side of heaven. He kept the faith and he has finished his course. He has received his crown of life. In the days to come there will be many stories told and many memories cherished. Ray was blessed. Ray was special. Ray was loved. Ray is resting in his Father's arms where the weight of this world has no effect. He is at Peace. West family, We pray your strength in the Lord. The Lord is with you always.

Charleston County Aviation Authority Communications

Everyone that knows him knows what a great man he was! Thank you Mr West for all that you have done for me personally and professionally.

My heart fell and broke this morning when I heard of Rays passing. Ray was larger than life… a firemans firefighter. His great knowledge of firefighting and ability to impart that knowledge to young minds has influenced that Air Force Fire Protection field far beyond Charleston. Only the great Fire Chief in heaven knows how many lives Ray has saved through his own actions as well as his mentoring and training young firefighter minds and bodies. Today AF Pilots play with their children, Husbands go home with there wives and Grandparents hung there Grandchildren because of Rays unselfish actions. Just like that smile on Rays face in the firehouse kitchen we embrace a new day when we will see him again in the Celestial Fire House when all tears are wiped away and we are reunited with him. God Bless Rays family and extended Fire house family as we miss our brother. But will see him again soon. Randy Hall Retired Fire Chief/ Senior Master Sergent USAFR

On Behalf of the MacDill AFB FES, you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. God bless

I worked with Ray on Charleston AFB Fire Dept. He was a great friend and firefighter he will be missed by all

REST IN PEACE RAY

I send my condolences to the West Family and close friends. His constant wit, intelligence, and candor were unmatched in the CAFB Fire Department. He had a positive impact in the lives of many young men and women during his long career at CAFB, which stretched far beyond firefighting topics.

To the West Family,Sorry for your loss;You have our sympathy.
Bro Raymond was our Sunday School teacher in the scholar's class there at Harvest Baptist Church,he was a great teacher.Was glad to have known him.

Our prayers
Thomas & Earline Hill
Riceville,TN

Youg Cha
This Arthur Bays who own the Hardware store in Summerville that Raymond work for, Rith & I to hear of your lost. Our prayers are with your family. GOD BLESS

It was an honor to work for you. Rest easy, knowing your stories will echo in the halls of the fire house.

The Charleston County Aviation Authority celebrates the life and morns the loss of Raymond West, a man dedicated to his family and friends, a man who loved his country and an accomplished professional whose smiling face, words of encouragement and can-do spirit cannot be replaced.

A great person taken away. Enjoyed working with him over the years. Thoughts and prayers for Ray and his family.

Raymond was a great friend and mentor to many young men and women who served their country, but that really paled in regards to Raymond as a devoted husband and father and above all his relationship with God the Father Almighty. I will miss him tremendously and count myself lucky to have spent the numerous hours I did learning and walking with him.

I have many memories if Ray at the FD telling stories and laughing...many blessings to the West Family!

Lawrence j lennon ( AF fire fighter) rest in peace mr west

Lawrence j lennon (air force fire fighter) rest in peace

Last bell. He touched the lives of so many.

Oh what a celebration there was in heaven last night. He was a good man who loved his Lord and his family. May your memories bring you comfort during the coming days and weeks.

Audrey and Wade Cheney