Edwin "Pop" West Sr.

Ed passed away peacefully, Sunday, February 17, at the Margaret Z. Dozier Hospice House, with family at the bedside.

Ed was born in Baker County, Georgia, on February 22, 1925, and was one of eight children.

Pop was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Gertrude "Gertie" West.

He is survived by his four children, Bobbie and George Warren, Edwina and Lee Thurmond, Ed and Debbie West, and Jeff and Gini West, all of Tallahassee. He had 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Bobbie West Riggins and Marie Horton; and 3 significant loved ones, Danny Carpenter, Andrea Sikes Mikell, and Mildred Borders.

Ed had a long and successful career as a Master Plumber. After 24 years in the private sector, Ed was hired as an Inspector with the Leon County Growth Management Department where he served the public for 25 years before retirement. During Ed's tenure, he received the "President's Award" by the Florida Association of Gas and Mechanical Inspectors and the "James W. Griffith Memorial Award". Ed loved working with his peers as an inspector along with many area homebuilders and sub-contractors, whom he befriended over the years.

When not working, Ed enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, playing softball and working in his vegetable garden. He was an avid sports fan who loved his Yankees and Cowboys. Much to his children's dismay, Ed became a die-hard Gator fan!

What Pop loved most was his family; his wife, Gertie, his children, and all his precious grandchildren. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch firsthand all the games and activities they were involved in. Pop was a phenomenal provider and earned what he had by honest hard work. Pop was a man of faith, served his God, and loved his church (Praise Cathedral).

Family will be receiving friends Tuesday, February 19, 5-7 pm at Culley's Meadowwood Funeral Home on Riggins Road. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, February 20, 1:00pm, also at Culley's Meadowwood Chapel on Riggins.

Pop will be missed by many, but never forgotten. There are just too many good "Pop" stories. In lieu of flowers, family ask that donations please be made to Big Bend Hospice, who has been so special to the West family and so many others.