Lewis William West

Billy was born in Jacksonville, Florida on July 29, 1941 to Lewis William West and Hortense James West. The family moved to Columbia, South Carolina where they lived until Billy was 14 at which time they moved to Jackson, Mississippi. Billy graduated from Murrah High School in 1960, attended the University of Mississippi, served in the Army Reserve and began his career in the insurance business with Southern Farm Bureau in 1964. In 1965 he went to work at American Public Life, attaining the position of Vice President and Secretary and in 1978 he joined Life Insurance Company of Alabama, eventually becoming Regional Director of Agencies until his death. During this time he founded and was President of Voluntary Benefits Administrators, Inc.

Billy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and travel, especially cruises, but his favorite thing was spending time at his camp in Holmes County where he could relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Lewis William West IV. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Lauree, and his son, Raymond (Margo), both of Florence, Mississippi, step-son, Jason Pugh (Laura) of Gautier, Mississippi and step-daughter, Kelly Pilger (David) of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Summer Smith and the rest of the staff of Baptist Hospice, who provided such loving care of their loved one in his final days.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 25 with a Celebration of Life service to follow at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers the family requests that any donations be made to the American Cancer Society.