Robert Earl West, Sr.

Robert Earl West, Sr. was born in Laurel, Mississippi on August 14, 1960 and went to his heavenly home on March 20, 2025. Robert attended and graduated from Northeast Jones High School and worked as a truck driver for Whitestone Transportation and everyone knew him by his CB handle “Swamper.” He loved his children and grandchildren and would always say when they came to visit, “Get Out, Come In!” whether he was standing at the front door or sitting on his favorite bench outside under the shade tree. His kids and grandkids were always joking with him about his tree limbs being too low and he would joke back and say, “learn to duck!” He loved to hunt, fish, and work hard in his personal and professional life. He lived life in the way he loved and wanted to live. Although, occasionally he had what he referred to as, “A little boy hair-cut,” deep down in his soul he was just like his favorite country song, “Long Haired County Boy.” He loved his country music, his donkey Bennie, “Ben Ben,” and his old dog Boo. Some of his favorite things to do were having cookouts with his close family, going for long rides in the DeSoto National Forest with his kids and grandkids, and crawfish boils and fish fries. He will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends. We love you Dad (Papaw). You will be forever in our hearts. Robert is preceded in death by his parents Jack West, Sr. and Elsie Audrey Shedd West. He is survived by his children Michael Nix (Alise) of Laurel, Robert (West Jr.) Fenwick (Holly) of Tuscaloosa, AL., and Audrey Welch (Josh) of Laurel, one brother Jack West Jr. (Sherry) of Wayne County, two sisters Carolyn Robinson (Robin) of Mize, Betty Robinson (Neil) of Wayne County, twelve grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Visitation will be at Memory Chapel, Sunday at 1:00 pm with a graveside service at 2:00 pm in the Myrick Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Junior Shedd, Josh Welch, Jose Yanez, Basilio Yanez, Randy Gordon, and Richard Richardson. Honorary pallbearers are John Michael Nix and Nathan Welch. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Robert Earl West, Sr.

August 14, 1960 - March 20, 2025