Thomas Scott West

Tom West, known by his friends as T.S., passed away peacefully at home in Ocoee with his wife, Opal by his side on August 19th, 2011 .The days before he went home to be with our Lord, he was surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Tom was born May 25th, 1919 in Orlando. His parents, Sidney Duncan West and Ida Berry West had relocated to Ocoee prior to Tom’s birth in 1919. He was one of the first babies to be born at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orlando, now Orange Regional Hospital. Tom was the youngest of five and is the last survivor of his immediate family. He had three sisters; Grace Kerr, Mabel Pounds, Ida Hovey and one brother Sidney West.

In 1941, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Mattie N. Barker, and they were married for 35 years. They had one son, Thomas Milton West. Tom and Mattie worked together and formed TOM WEST INC. in 1960. He and Mattie worked hard and built the business to be one of the largest independent citrus harvesters in the state of Florida. The company Tom and Mattie built is still today a thriving business growing oranges and now blueberries. His son, Milton and grandson, Scott, have carried on the tradition of farming that Tom so loved.

Other than his family, Tom had a passion for fun. First was fishing. He traveled all over the United States to fish, even Alaska. It was not unusual for Tom to go fishing and catch a 100 plus fish. He was one who loved to be on the water. He liked it best when he took you fishing and caught more fish and the biggest. Needless, to say he loved a challenge. Asked where he caught all that fish….his answer was always…”Wet Lake”.

Second was his love for music. He taught himself as a boy to play the harmonica. Another pleasure in life was the Florida Gators. People enjoyed his harmonica playing. He was constantly asked to play at Florida Gator games at half time, in the skybox. He could be found many times entertaining at parties, fundraisers and churches. Tom and Opal loved to travel, too. One year he and Opal were on vacation in Texas and Tom got the opportunity to play his harmonica with the Mickey Gillie band. Tom was always willing to bless others with his music. “Amazing Grace” was a special song he would be asked to play for loved ones.

Tom West was a generous and joyful giver. He always was ready to help people and organizations in need. Tom West blessed others purely because he felt like a blessed man himself, and was able to help.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Opal West, his son Milton West (Wendy), and his three grandchildren; Thomas Scott West (Kristen), Susan West Hembree (Jay), Stacy West Williams (John)and step son Hartle Sanders. He also was blessed with nine great-grandchildren.

Tom was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ocoee.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 25th, 2011 for family members from 9:30 to 10:00 and friends and other loved ones from 10:00 to 11:00 at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow immediately at 11:00 A.M.

A Special THANK YOU to Granny Nannies of Orlando and Hospice for the loving care that Tom West and his family received during the days before he passed. You will always have a special place in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Comforter.