Joseph Paul West

Joseph Paul West, 76, known to most as Joe, but to his family as Papa or Pop, resident of Forsyth County, went home to be with Jesus on February 5, 2025, surrounded by his family. 

Joe was born to Joseph L. West and Hessie Mae West (Moore) on November 26th, 1948, in Cumming, GA. Joe grew up in Cherokee County, Georgia, but lived most of his life in Forsyth County. Joe served 1 tour in Vietnam with the United States Army. Once he returned stateside, Joe met and married his beautiful wife, Mary Kate, in 1970. Together, they raised their 3 daughters. Through the years, their family grew, and Joe became a grandfather to 8 and a great-grandfather to 15. Anyone who knew Joe knew that his family, Georgia football, and Fox News were his favorite things. But, according to Pop, “Jesus is everything.”

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, 6 of his siblings, and his son, Steven Craig West. He is survived by his wife, Mary Kate West as well as his daughters Valerie Christopher (Roy), Kathy Wilbanks (Larry), and Lisa Riddle (Robert). In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, great-grand-children, 2 brothers, and 1 sister.

The service to celebrate the life of Joseph Paul West (Papa) will be held on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, in the chapel of Ingram Funeral Home at 4:00 PM, with Rev. Craig Riddle (grandson) and Dr. Don Allen officiating. Burial will follow at Sawnee View Gardens. Visitation will take place on Friday, February 7th, 2025 from 2:00 PM-9:00 PM and on Saturday, February 8th, from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM