Obituary of Gene West

Gene Francis West, born June 6, 1929, died peacefully on January 1, 2011. He was predeceased by his mother, Bessie Jewel Forrester West, father, Loy Harold West and step-mother, Lida N. West. He is survived by his loving children, Teresa B. West, her life companion, Bob Ostrich, son, Eric A. West, daughter-in-law, Mary Caye West and grandson, John Cannady Zigler West all of Jacksonville, Florida, sister, Joyce W. Sweeney, Louisville, Tennessee, former wife, Virginia Z. West, Jacksonville, Florida and numerous cousins. He graduated from Oneida High School in Oneida, Tennessee in 1947. He entered the U.S. Army and served his country proudly as a Reconnaissance Sergeant in the Korean War before being honorably discharged in 1952. Upon his return he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1955. He never forgot his beloved UT Volunteers and followed the Lady VOLS basketball teams, men's football teams and various other sports throughout his life. After graduation he moved to Jacksonville, Florida and was employed by Service Master. He eventually earned his teaching certificate and was an educator in the Duval County Public School System for 24 years going above and beyond the call of duty to prepare his students for the future before retiring in 1993. The family will receive friends at Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211 on Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A Memorial Service will begin immediately afterwards at 3:00 PM. A Military Honors Service will be held on February 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Jacksonville National Cemetery located at 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Haven Hospice of Jacksonville, 8301 Cypress Plaza Drive, Suite 119, Jacksonville, Florida 32256. The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude for the loving care provided by the staffs of Harbor Chase Assisted Living of Jacksonville and Haven Hospice of Jacksonville.