Ray Allen West

Ray Allen West, age 82, of Frisco, Texas died on February 15th after a 2 year battle with cancer. Ray was born on April 6, 1933 in Ridgely, Tennessee, the son of George Henry West and Mary Opal Shaw West. He spent most of his adult life in Tennessee where he was a member of a 12-person graduation class at Ridgely High School in 1951. Ray enrolled at Memphis State University but after his sophomore year he was drafted into the United States Army. After his two year tour of duty, he returned to Memphis State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In 1956, Ray married Juanita King. The couple was married for over 59 years. While in Tennessee, Ray served his church, the LaBelle Place Baptist Church, as a member of the deaconate.

Ray spent his working career as an accountant. He retired in 2002 from Pepsi America. In 2005 Ray and Juanita moved to Frisco, Texas to be closer to family. He was a skilled bridge player and an avid fan of all things associated with the “Memphis University Tigers.” He also enjoyed fishing and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. Ray is survived by his loving wife Juanita of Frisco, two sons; Dr. Daniel West and Barry West (Christa) and two grandchildren Gage and Brooke West. He is preceded in death by his sister Ann Lavenue.

Funeral services will be Wednesday February 17th. Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:00Pm and the funeral service will follow at 2:00PM. All will be at the First Baptist Church in Plano; 1300 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074. Following services in Plano, Ray’s remains will be flown to Memphis, Tennessee. On Friday February 19th there will be a visitation from 1:00 until 2:00 at the Dyersburg Funeral Home Chapel in Ridgely, Tennessee. He will be laid to rest at 2:30PM in the family plot at the New Haven Cemetery in Ridgely.