Obituary: Thomas Christopher “Chris” West
Thomas Christopher “Chris” West, 54, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Chris was born in Wayne County to the late T.C. and Ellen Gray West on May 27, 1972.
The youngest child of T.C. and Ellen, as a youngster Chris loved playing wiffleball with his cousins and little league for his dad. At Eastern Wayne High School, Chris was an All-State baseball player and drafted by the Baltimore Orioles. He chose to attend Louisburg College and ECU while continuing to play baseball. While in college, he was drafted by the San Diego Padres, spending six years in the minor leagues. After baseball, he became a Certified Public Accountant.
Never one to take himself too seriously, Chris had a laid-back personality and a goofy sense of humor with his kids. Time with his children brought him great joy. He was so proud of their character and accomplishments. He loved spending time with his family at the beach, enjoying fishing, boating, or simply sitting in the sand with a good book.
An avid hunter and golfer, Chris relished time in the great outdoors, usually with a dog by his side. Ever fond of sports, he continued to keep track of his favorite teams, often attending local high school football games and watching college sports on television.
A service to celebrate Chris’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home with Pastor Joseph Franklin officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A private committal will be held at Fairview Cemetery.
Chris is survived by his children Coy West, Cade West, Brylee West and their mother, Paula West; siblings, Thad West (Barbara), Dianne Johnson, and Tim West (Jodi); and nieces and nephews, Liz Greene (Ben), Hanna Diffenbaugh (Ethan), Ty West (Sydney), Clay West, Tate West, Morgan Johnson, Grace West, Anna West, and Emalia West.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to Duke Children’s Hospital, 300 W. Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham, NC 27701; or Eastern Wayne High School Athletics Department, 1135 E. New Hope Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
