Michael Deams West

Michael Deams West
May 5, 1950 - October 16, 2025
Michael Deams West, 75, of Hillsborough and previously Greensboro, died October 16, 2025, at Duke University Hospital with his family by his side.
Mike was born on May 5, 1950, in Fayetteville, NC, to the late Earl and Mabel West. He is survived by Adam Newton and family; brother, Lee West and family; children, Reagan West Courliss (Jeff Courliss), Blair West (Andrew Darab), and Braxton West (Carrie West); and grandson, Ruben Courliss. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by an infant brother and infant sister.
Mike graduated from Fayetteville High School (later Terry Sanford HS) in 1968. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UNC Chapel Hill in 1972 and earned his JD from UNC School of Law in 1975, where he was on Law Review his last year.
Mike loved his family, the study and practice of law, and being a Carolina Tar Heel.
He began his law career as a clerk for the NC Supreme Court, before moving to private practice in Winston-Salem. He then worked in the federal bankruptcy court, ultimately being appointed as the Bankruptcy Administrator for the Middle District of North Carolina in Greensboro, a position he proudly served in for 30 years until his retirement in 2013.
While his kids were growing up, one of his favorite places was on the sidelines of their sporting events - usually soccer - cheering them on. He was tremendously proud of his children and their achievements.
A loyal Tar Heel, Mike especially loved Carolina Basketball. Rushing Franklin Street after the 1982 Men's National Championship was one of his fondest memories.
Mike treasured visits to Kure Beach and fishing off the KB pier, and fall trips to the mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway to see the leaves change. He also loved NASCAR racing, especially attending races at his favorite track, Martinsville Speedway, and supporting local races in Orange County.
Mike is also preceded in death by beloved fur babies Clementine, Winston, Sarah (Mini Me) and Pearl; and survived by beloved fur babies Wilson and Odea.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the love and support of many special friends.
The family would like to recognize and give thanks for the care he received at both UNC Hospitals (Chapel Hill and Hillsborough) and Duke University Hospital, and especially the staff of the MICU at Duke University Hospital for their end-of-life compassion and care.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Calvary Independent Baptist Church - 10310 Durham Rd, Timberlake, NC 27583.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Calvary Independent Baptist Church, 10310 Durham Rd, Timberlake, NC 27583