Kenneth “Ken” Ray West, 78, of Stephens City, Virginia, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at his home.
Ken was born in 1939 in Erwin, North Carolina, the son of the late Ransom C. and Rosa H. West. He graduated from Erwin High School, Class of 1957, and continued his education earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as a Master of Education from the University of Virginia.
He was a math teacher and administrator with the Winchester City Public School System, employed at Daniel Morgan Middle School and John Handley High School until his retirement in 1991. After retirement he was a math instructor at Lord Fairfax Community College.
Ken was a member and past president of the Winchester Retired Teachers Association, a member and past president of the Winchester-Shawnee Lions Club, and a life member of the University of North Carolina General Alumni Association. He was an avid sports fan, playing three sports in high school and granted a basketball scholarship to junior college. While at Handley High School he coached basketball, golf, cross country and he himself enjoyed running.
Mr. West was a member of Braddock Street United Methodist Church.
Ken married Phoebe (White) West on August 16, 1964, in Winchester, Virginia.
Surviving with his beloved wife of 52 years is daughter, Kimberly Rae West Belvin, and husband, Capt. Doug Belvin United States Navy, of Hollywood, Maryland; son Kevin Rodney West of Conway, South Carolina; grandchildren, Gregory West Belvin and Julia Love Belvin of Hollywood, Maryland; and nephew, Douglas McLamb of Benson, North Carolina.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth West McLamb, and a nephew, Jerry McLamb.
The family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm Sunday, May 21, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, May 22, at 1:00 PM at Braddock Street United Methodist Church.
Interment will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Ken may be made to Judges Athletic Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2213, Winchester, VA 22604.