Robert Lee West, Sr.

Robert Lee West, Sr., 90, of Gainesville, entered into a peaceful rest on May 31, 2023 until the upcoming soon return of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Born in Gainesville, Ga, he was the son of the late William Lee & Montine Rose Davis West. He was the fifth of twelve siblings and attended Piedmont and North Georgia colleges, John Marshall School of Law, and Luther Rice Seminary.

After serving with the U.S. Air Force and Army during the Korean war era, Robert returned home to marry the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Martin, they were married 63 years. During this time, Robert’s colorful career in various occupations included tax accountant, understudy to Mountain Circuit Solicitor General, elected Justice of the Peace and later became Magistrate Judge of Hall County, Chickamauga National Park Ranger, Real Estate Broker, Principal of a private Christian School, and State Prison Counselor and Chaplain.

During their early years of marriage, God began urging him to go forth and preach the Gospel. After several refusals by Robert, God visually lit up his world in the middle of one night just as He had done with the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus story. Immediately Robert accepted God’s last call and invitation. For the next fifty plus years, he would go on to faithfully present God’s words of Truth in season and out of season.

Together Robert and Carolyn faithfully ministered in numerous churches and cities located throughout Florida and Georgia such as: Islamorada, Miami, Bushnell, Starke, Jennings, Hampton, Dahlonega, Clermont, Blairsville, Homer and Gainesville.

During their marriage, the Lord blessed them with four children: Robert Lee West, Jr. (Bobby), Susan West Davies, William Michael West (Mike), and Leah West Wright, who all share a strong appreciation and love for their father.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Sue Martin West; brothers, Herman West, Harold West, Frank West (Alene), Gene West, Davis West (June), Claude West, and brother-in-law Herbie Hudgins; sisters, Betty Jo (Bill) Gooch, Vernice (Fred) Roberts, Kathleen (Dean) McHann, Louise (Charlie) Smith; brothers in law and sisters in law, Herman (Mary Grace) Martin, Emmett Martin, Kermit (Ann) Martin, Martha (James) Tanner, Colene Martin, Regina (L.C.) McNeal, and Benny Nix 

Robert is survived by Robert Lee (Bobby) (Graciela) West, Jr., of Branford, Connecticut, Susan (Mark) Davies of Flowery Branch, Michael (Mardi) West of Cornelia, and Leah (Nelson) Wright of Gainesville. 

Grandchildren; Joshua Davies, Emily (BJ) Richard, Nathan (Alyse) Wright, Samuel West, Iana (Brian) Roper, Eli Davies, Faith West, Lily West, and Hopeland (Amanda) West.  Great-grandchildren; Violet, Summer, Cyprus, Charleigh, and Carson. 

He is also survived by his sister, Gail West Hudgins of Gainesville, brothers in law and sisters in law Mary Lou Nix of Clermont, Winnie Martin of Marietta, Debra West of Dalton, Ellis (Nancy) Martin of Gainesville, Frank (Stacey) Martin of Gainesville and numerous nieces and nephews. 

 Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Brookstone Church, 3681 Cleveland Hwy., Gainesville, GA. Visitation and viewing will be from 10:45 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church preceding the service. Interment will follow at New Bridge Baptist Church Cemetery in Gainesville, Ga.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at www.stricklandfh.com. Regular mail can be sent to: 100 Evergreen Trail, Gainesville, GA 30501. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the outreach mission of choice in your local church.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements.