Terry R. West

Greenfield, MA - Terry R. West was born in Mobile, Alabama on February 8, 1954, the middle child of Julia Bell Smith and Ford Ratliff West. The family moved to Decatur, Alabama where he played on a championship football team, graduated from high school and formed lifelong friendships. He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1977. Semper Fi.

Graduating from the University of Alabama in 1982 with a degree in accounting, Terry briefly worked for the IRS. Deciding a desk job was too boring, Terry took a job as a mail handler with the United States Postal Service. He moved truckloads of mail in the Hartford, CT postal facility. If your mail delivery seems a little slower lately, it's because Terry retired at the end of last year.

On December 26, 1995, his only child, CJ West, was born to Terry and April West. Terry is survived by his wife, April, his two sisters, Gloria West and Sherry Nelson, his child, cj west, his stepdaughter, Erica Graham, his brother-in-law, Darrell Nelson, his nephews, Cory and Andrew Nelson, his grandnephews, Ripp and Audie and his wee niece Dakota, and his best friend since 7th grade, Johnny Austin.

On June 01, 2023, Terry received Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in an effort to alleviate his worsening Parkinson's Disorder condition. On March 17, 2024, Terry R. West passed away after living with Parkinson's for over a decade. Terry loved his friends and family, college football, biking, skiing, surf fishing, being in the sun, chocolate and eating shrimp and grits. A lifelong Alabama Crimson Tide football fan, he went to his last football game at Bryant-Denny stadium in October 2023 with his wife, April and best friend, Johnny Austin. Alabama won the game.

Post DBS surgery, Terry experienced a major reduction in his Parkinson's stiffness, tremors and physical distress as well as a mental, emotional, and spiritual revitalization. He left this life full of faith, love, joy, dreams, and excitement for his next journey. Terry's spirit now exists in the downpour of an Alabama thunderstorm, the victory roar of a stadium, the home stretch of a long work shift, the rays of sunlight remembering us back to ourselves, and through the choices we make that are rooted in love.

May we honor your unwavering strength. Hooah. The few, the proud, the Marines.

We love you forever. Roll Tide Roll.

Calling Hours will be Friday, April 19th from 4:00-7:00 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Park St, Easthampton, MA 01027

Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 20th at 10:30 am at the First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC, 212 College Highway, Southampton, MA 01073

In lieu of flowers, Terry would be honored to have donations made to the local Fitness P.D. Fighters lead by Leah Halloran

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024maoptimismwalk/team/945437/

OR Soldier On in Leeds, MA website www.wesoldieron.org

www.mitchellcofuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Apr. 1, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Terry West

8 Entries

John Dube

July 29, 2025

Terry had an unwavering work ethic. His dedication to work can only be matched by his dedication to family. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years at the Hartford Post office.A glimpse of the Dad we knew can be seen in the Dad Diploma which he shared with us made by CJ. He was beaming with Joy showing it to us. Ever look on Heaven's scene you will find the streets are guarded by another United States Marine ! Semper Fi fellow Marine
Our family's thoughts and prayers are with his family
John & Mayra Dube

Larry and Kathy Buckbee

April 2, 2024

My wife Kathy and I worked with Terry at the Hartford P&DC. Terry was an outstanding worker and a nice southern gentleman who had kind words and a smile for everyone. He loved his Alabama football and made a believer of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be missed. Our sincerest condolences to his family.

Kathy and Butch Wrzesinski

April 2, 2024

Dear April and CJ,
So very sorry to hear of Terry's passing. May good memories sustain you during this difficult time.

Cheryl Duncan

April 2, 2024

My deepest condolences and prayers of comfort to Terry's family and friends on his passing.
I worked with Terry for the last 6 years at the USPS plant in Hartford, CT. Terry truly left a lasting impression on my heart, as he was genuinely one of the kindest, happiest, nicest, sweetest, funniest, hard working people I can honestly say I have ever met in all my years of working. We had many laughs together, and he was so helpful. You could see the pride he had in his home state of Alabama, and his Alabama Crimson Tide football! I think "roll tide" was his favorite saying! We were all truly blessed to have had Terry in our lives. He was a joy to be around as he was always happy and smiling! I was sad to see him retire, but so happy for him, as he had worked so hard for it and deserved it. I will truly miss his great Southern accent, but will never forget it!
Again, my sincere sympathy and love to all Terry's family and friends. Terry, may you rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Randy White

March 31, 2024

My wife Lisa and I worked with Terry in Hartford and also Bradley PO for many years. Terry was one of the hardest working and decent human beings you will ever meet. Not to mention a happy go lucky guy with a big ole southern grin. A friend and coworker we both will miss and respect always. Terry, you will be missed by many, are hearts go out to all his family and friends. Randy and Lisa White

Dawn Hinds

March 30, 2024

Worked with Terry for many years.What a incredible hardworking,funny man...full of love and light...Will miss you my friend

RW Turner USPS

March 29, 2024

Knew Terry a long time. A decent, honorable guy. He will be missed by those who shared his experience.

david graham

March 28, 2024

I worked with Terry for MANY years at the Hartford post office. He was truly a man of integrity and a true joy to work with, quick with a smile, and even faster with a laugh.

Terry was a man with the utmost work ethic rarely seen. My deepest condolences to his family. I'm sure there is now an unfillable hole in their heart.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results