WEST JR., THOMAS MABSON Thomas Mabson West, Jr. passed away February 8, 2013. He was born August 9, 1940, the son of Thomas Mabson West, Sr. and Kathryn Rennolds West. He attended the University of Alabama where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, graduated from Samford University with a Bachelor of Science and Cumberland School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree. From an early age he had a great interest in history and descended from the founders of both Birmingham and Montgomery, unique in Alabama history. Memberships included First Families of Alabama, Society of the Revolution (president), Society of the War of 1812 (president), Jefferson County Historical Association (president), Friends of the Irondale Furnace (president), Society of Colonial Wars (Lt. Governor), Newcomen Society, English Speaking Union, Birmingham Exchange Club, and Jamestown Society. He erected twenty-six historical markers throughout Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Montgomery, and Mobile. His proudest achievement was as founder of the Birmingham History Center. Birmingham, founded in 1871, lacked the history museums of Montgomery, Mobile and Huntsville, and that need was finally filled. He loved his church, Independent Presbyterian, and served four terms on the Board of Deacons and as Moderator (president) of the Board of Shepherds. As an insurance agent since 1974, he served as president of the Birmingham Association of Health Underwriters, Board of Directors of the Birmingham Independent Insurance Agents, and Board of Directors of the Birmingham Association of Life Underwriters, a rare combination of leadership in all three insurance disciplines. Memberships also included Montgomery Country Club, The Club, and the Phi Delta Theta Alumni Club of Birmingham. Pursuant to his interest in history he produced three important books: Historic Birmingham and Jefferson County by James R. Bennett, The Elyton Land Company Minutes Books, and The History of Jefferson County before 1850 by Will Franke. Tommy was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 23 years Mary Ellen Holman West, stepdaughter Dr. Kristin Carroll Bains, her husband Jason Scott Bains, and his golden retriever Sherlock. A memorial service in thanksgiving of his life will be held on Friday February 15, 2013, at 11 o'clock in the morning at Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. Memorial gifts may be made to the Jefferson County Historical Association, c/o The Treasurer, 4100 Churchill Circle, Birmingham, AL 35213.
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