Tommy A. "Tinker" West Sr.

Mr. Tommy A. "Tinker" West Sr., 58, of Valdese, went home to be with the Lord, on Friday, May 8, 2009 while at his residence. Tommy was born on May 13, 1950 in Burke County to the late Myrtle Sherrill West and Charlie Glen West. He was a member of United Baptist Church and was formerly employed with the N.C. Department of Transportation. Tommy also enjoyed car racing, motorcycles and hunting. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one sister, Marie Buff; two brother in-laws, J.B. Buff and Cecil Rector; and his father in-law, Henry Butler. Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Brenda Butler West of the home; his children, Mark, Jennifer and "Tinker" West Jr., all of Valdese and Brandi Pennington and husband, Kevin, of Lenoir; stepson, Steve Butler of Morganton; four brothers, Jack West and wife, Thelma, of Icard, Johnny West and wife, Barbara, Jerry West and wife, Sheree, and Ted West and wife, Vickie, all of Valdese; four sisters, Reba Howell and husband, Dave, of Greenville, S.C., Delores Rector, Carolyn Franklin and husband, Lewis, Joan Carswell and husband, Tom, all of Valdese; and mother in-law, Doris Butler of Morganton. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Kayla Ingram, Eric and Bradly West, Kezli and Khloe Pennington, Skyla Cole and Kamille Pennington; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today at United Baptist Church in Valdese with the Revs. Avery Owenby and Barry Camp officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family received friends Saturday at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese. An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com. Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the West family.