Philip Alvin West

Philip Alvin West, 61, of LaGrange, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2026, after a short battle with cancer. Born on May 28, 1964, at Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, Philip was the son of William “Bill” West and Josephine Phillips Smith, and the beloved son of his late stepfather, Dennis Smith.

Eager to pursue his aspirations, Philip left home early to attend college, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from the University of Georgia. He was hardworking and often balanced school and work simultaneously while building a career he truly loved. Philip was passionate about sales and helping businesses grow throughout his years as a business consultant. He loved telling stories “from the road,” traveling through small towns across America and supporting business owners trying to build something better, eventually visiting all 48 continental states.

Philip was passionate in all that he did. He thrived in conversation, willing to talk with anyone and everyone, perfecting the art of what he called “Walmart therapy” — making best friends with strangers wherever he went. After spending just 10 minutes with Philip, you knew he was caring, loyal, and ready to champion whatever mattered to you. He was a dedicated listener, genuinely interested in the thoughts and perspectives of others. Philip was an orator at heart and never missed an opportunity to entertain an audience.

Philip was a believer in Jesus Christ, and his faith was a source of strength, hope, and peace throughout his life. Philip recently celebrated 33 years of sobriety and deeply valued the life transformation that sobriety brought him. Throughout his life, Philip battled many health and physical challenges with relentless optimism and positivity, never wanting to be a burden to anyone around him. He carried this weight without complaint; Philip rarely let seriousness take the lead when silliness was an option.

Never without a cup of coffee, Philip loved cheering for his Georgia Bulldogs, “solving the world’s problems” through Fox News, and was known for his appreciation of fashion, rarely seen without a polo rider embroidered across his chest. He loved all things 1980s — rock and roll, smooth jazz, Ronald Reagan, double-breasted suits, and reminiscing about speeding tickets in the chocolate-brown Trans Am of his youth.

An avid fisherman, Philip loved spending time on the water and telling stories about the latest saltwater monster he had landed off his favorite pier in Panama City Beach on the Florida Panhandle. Philip and his family celebrated his final catch just one week before his passing — an angler to the very end.

Above all else, Philip was a devoted father, “Dad” to some, “UB” or “Uncle Bubba” to others — and a proud grandfather, lovingly known as “Paw Paw.” He is survived by his children, McCray West (Lauren), Mason West, and Mariah “Ash” West; his longtime companion, Karen Johnston White, and her son, Chase White; his three beloved granddaughters, Holland West, Juniper West, and Ivy West; his sister, Beatrice “Bebe” McMahan (Ricky); his nephew, Lee McMahan (Kady) and their son, MacKenzie; and his niece, Maggie McMahan (Tim).

A celebration of Philip’s life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - LaGrange. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance, share stories, and celebrate the life of a man whose warmth, humor, and love for others left a lasting impact on all who knew him. We rejoice that Philip is now fully healed and walking pain-free in the presence of our Savior in Heaven.

All arrangements are made by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com