Rev. Alton Ray West II, 62, of Swan Pond, passed away Wednesday morning, November 18, 2020 at the Barbourville ARH Hospital. He was the son of the late Alton Ray “Butch” West Sr. and Janice West born on July 8, 1958 in Columbus, OH.
Ray was a former custodian at G. R. Hampton Elementary School and a member of the Swan Pond Baptist Church. He was ordained as a minister at the First Baptist Church of Barbourville and later pastored at Indian Creek Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with family and was an amateur radio operator. Ray shared his faith through singing in earlier years and loved sharing about Jesus with others.
On April 15, 1978, he united in marriage with Juanita Knuckles and to this union two children were born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Selena Joy West and a brother, Gary West.
Survivors include his loving wife of 42 years, Juanita West; a beloved son, Alton Ray West III; a brother, Charles Drew West; a treasured grandchild, Layla Harris all of Barbourville; two nieces, Elisa and Gariann; a nephew, Little Charles; uncle, Arnold West Jr. and wife, Sandy, of Columbus, OH; among other loved ones and dear friends.
A private family funeral service will be held in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Sunday, November 22 with Rev. Jerry Vaughn and Rev. Michael DeLand officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Faulkner Chapel Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Larry West, David Browning, Brandon Miller, Dewayne Brock, Ricky West and David Pope. Honorary bearers will be Gerald Stacy, Dr. West and the staff of the Barbourville ARH Hospital.
A drive-thru visitation will be held at the funeral home Sunday from 12 Noon until 1 P.M.
Expressions of sympathy may go to the funeral home to assist the family with funeral expenses.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Please remember, per the Governor’s mandate effective November 20, 2020 all funeral services will be private. Any person entering the funeral home is expected to be wearing a face covering of some kind at all times including graveside services and maintain the six feet of social distance. We appreciate your help in following these guidelines so we can continue to serve our community during these trying times in the safest manner possible.
