Lewis Earl West, age 92 of Erwin died Wednesday Morning, July 28, 2021 at his home.
Earl was born March 8, 1929 in Johnston County the son of the late Willie Walter West and Cartha Adams West and is preceded in death by sons, Walter (Buddy) West and Linwood (Tadpole) West; a granddaughter, Kimberly Hartley. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Benton, Wade, Willie and Waylon West; a sister, Leola W. Allen.
Earl was raised on a farm in Johnston County where he learned the value of working hard and he did just that during his lifetime. He farmed at one point and worked in Erwin Mills, he was a truck driver, driving for Edna Tobacco Co. hauling tobacco for the company. He had a good work ethic, always being on time never being late with a load. He loved driving trucks and was good at it, he became a sheet rocker and it was his most favorite and is the occupation he worked most of his life.
Earl loved to fish and hunt, he had rabbit dogs and rabbit hunting was his favorite. He was known for his ability to use a bean shooter and was very good with one.
But the most important thing in his life was his faith and the love for the Primitive Baptist Faith. He was a family man and loved his family unconditionally, he was the caregiver to his wife until March 2021, when his health began to fail. He did the cooking, cleaning and the yard work and taking care of her needs.
He loved people and enjoyed doing things for his neighbors and friends, one thing he did weekly was to see that all his neighbor’s trash cans were out by the road for the trash truck to empty and he made sure they were put back in their yard afterwards. He was known as a good story teller and always had one to tell, making people laugh. He was known as “one of a kind.”
A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 1:30 pm at Cromartie Miller Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Vick officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Benson.
He is survived by: His wife of 72 years: Lottie Ruth Weaver West of the home.
Son: Phil West & (wife) Virginia Ann of Erwin, NC
Grandchildren: Michelle W. Harrelson & (husband) Scott of New Bern, NC
Loman Cephus Coats & (wife) Susan of Erwin, NC
Great-Grandchildren: Rayce Harrelson, Jake Harrelson & Wayne Coats, & (wife) Angie.
Great-Great-Grandchildren: Dallas, Emma & Wyatt Coats and numerous Nieces and Nephews.
The Family will receive friends Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 12:00 Noon – 1:00 pm at Cromartie Miller Funeral Home in Dunn. One hour prior to the service.
