Tommy Joe West

WEST, Tommy Joe, age 49, is a success story that all should envy. The president and CEO of Capitol Interior Contractors Inc. started with little and became a legacy in the Richmond construction world. Tommy sadly succumbed to cancer following a courageous 14-month battle on March 6, 2008. Tommy was welcomed into heaven by his father, G.W. West. Tommy leaves behind his dedicated wife, Laura Heston West; and his four adoring children, Aimee Michelle, age 28, Shawn Thomas, age 23, Mary Catherine, age 12, and William Henderson, age 10; his mother, Mary L. West; two sisters, Jane M. Pratt and her husband, Jim, and Mary W. Abbott and her husband, Kevin; his mother and father-in-law, Craig and Cathy Heston; two sisters-in-law, Amy H. Palmieri and Patricia H. Hogan; one brother-in-law, George S. Heston; also several nieces and nephews. Tommy started Capital Interior Contractors in 1983. Through Tommy's guidance and vision, along with partner/investor, Jim Ellen, the company has grown to be one of the premier drywall contractors in the Richmond Metropolitan area. Tommy was a notable leader in the construction industry and was a founding member of the Central Virginia Region of the Virginia Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. His dedicated service, unwavering commitment, and generous support played a significant role in ABC-VA expansion throughout the Common-wealth of Virginia, and in its continued success in serving the merit shop construction industry. Capitol Interior Contractors joined ABC-VA in 1991, and Tommy served on the Board of Directors for 12 years. Outside of construction, Tommy was a passionate philanthropist, supporting VCU, the Children's Hospital, Sacred Heart Center, Massey Cancer Center, Shady Grove YMCA, Christ Church and hundreds of other charitable organizations. Tommy lived life with vigor, and had an infectious attitude that inspired others. His reputation transcended the construction and business communities. He rarely walked into a room where he didn't have a friend. Tommy was the rock in his family and his love inspired all. His employees admired him and his clients/peers in the industry held him in the highest regard. Tommy's memory should influence us all to enjoy life, to appreciate its gifts, and to give back to the community. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Parham Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1771 Parham Rd. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at Christ Church (Episcopal), 5000 Pouncey Tract Rd., Glen Allen, Va. 23059. Interment Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribu-tions may be made to Christ Church, Bon Secours Hospice, or to the Children's Hospital.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.