Lawrence Walker West

On August 18th 2021, the Lord called home Mr. Lawrence Walker West of Madison Heights Virginia.

On the twenty second day of September, 1941, in Stapleton Virginia, Walker David West and Adell Elliott West welcomed their handsome baby boy. Lawrence was the thirteenth of fourteen children born to Walker and Adell.

Lawrence confessed to Christ and was baptized in the Baptist faith in the Christian family spring in Madison Heights, Virginia. He joined Fairmount Baptist Church in Stapleton, Virginia where he served as a trustee and a choir member. He later joined Scott Zion Baptist Church in Madison Heights, Virginia where he enjoyed volunteering his time with the hospitality committee, and was willingly drafted by the sick committee. Lawrence was a faithful member until his health began to decline.

Lawrence “Nuke” worked several jobs in the Lynchburg area before moving to Flint Michigan, where he was employed by General Motors. After returning home to Madison Heights, he began his career as a contractor and carpenter, and later retired from The Mead/Rock-Tenn Corporation.

Nuke enjoyed helping people. He was quick to offer his contractor and carpentry skills to those in need. He often helped others free of charge because the satisfaction of helping others was more than enough.

Nuke never met a stranger! He would talk to any and every one as if he had known them their entire life, old or young. Even if you didn’t want to talk to him, he would pull you in before you knew it with his unbothered and laid back attitude.  He always had a joyous, lighthearted, outgoing personality which made his stories and jokes that much more entertaining. One thing for sure, Nuke was an extravagant story teller!

It was no secret Nuke had a love for singing and music. If a piano was around, he’d hit a key or two and the show would begin. If he wasn’t singing, you would find him so glued to his gospel concert DVD’s that you had to sit down and watch with him. He sang in several groups both in Michigan and Madison Heights. If you were around for any period of time, you would hear him sing at least one verse of his favorite song The Last Mile of the Way by Sam Cooke

As a member of The Central Virginia Unknown Truckers Van Club, Nuke’s love for music was reflected in his CB handle. He was known as Lonely Teardrop, a reference to one of his favorite Jackie Wilson songs.

Nuke was a man of many hobbies ranging from hunting to drag racing. He loved to tell laughter filled stories of how he had the cars standing up “kicking it” while he made roaring engine sounds.

He loved to cook and share his dishes with others. He would invite you over to eat, deliver you a plate, cook on the job, or just take over your kitchen. Nuke loved baking and was loved by everyone for his famous pound cake. He often baked several just to give away.

Nuke was known as a playful and devoted husband, a loving father, stepfather, brother, uncle, mentor and friend. His kind spirit would light up any room and make any time with him a memorable time! He lived a life full of amazing people and experiences. He treasured his fishing trips with the guys and could tell you a fishing story at the drop of a hat. He said his mother would take him fishing as a young child and tie him to a tree so he would not fall in the river. Little did he know, she was preparing him for all of his amazing catches of life. On April 4, 1998 Lawrence reeled in his best catch. On this date, he was united in marriage to Alice, his virtuous women.

He is survived by his devoted wife Mary Alice West; daughter Crystale W. Rose and her husband Michael of Lynchburg, Virginia; four step-children Renard Taylor and wife Aprill of Madison Heights, Sharon Ware of Evington, Va., Ramona W. Crawford of Lynchburg, Va., Darryl Ware and wife Faith of Bedford; a stepdaughter-in-law Deborah P. Ware of Lynchburg, Va.; three loving sisters, Mrs. Evelyn W. Hutcherson, Mrs. Shirley W. Christian, and Mrs. Geneva W. Moore and husband Edgar, all of Madison Heights; a dear brother-in-law Boyce Leroy Pollard. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; two special cousin-in-laws who loved him dearly, thought of him affectionately as a big brother, and spoiled him rotten, Ms. Shelia A. Wright and Mr. Joseph P. Burns of Maryland; another special cousin-in-law Toney Wright of Madison Heights; lastly, a dear and devoted friend Mr. Louis McLean of Garland, Texas.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents Walker David and Adell McKinley Elliott West; a son Taurean; four siblings in infancy; three sisters and their husbands, Deaconess Martha W. Christian and Decon James A. Christian, Mrs. Alice Alma Ferguson and Maloney Ferguson, Mrs. Elnora W. Tinsley and John Tinsley; three brothers and their wives, Mr. Oscar Woodrow West and Molly T. West, Deacon James David West and Dr. Hassie H. West, Mr. Odester Lee West and Betty W. West; two brother-in-laws, Mr. Elmer Hutcherson and Mr. Herman Christian; two step-sons, Charles Ware Jr. and his wife Althea and James Ware.

He will lie in repose Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Tharp Funeral Home. The service will be held Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Scott Zion Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Scott Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. At the request of the family , all attendees are to wear a mask.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.

Click here to view Nuke’s tribute video