Thomas S. West, Jr. passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026. He was born in James City County, Virginia on April 13,1933 to Thomas S. West, Sr. and Grace.L. West. He grew up in Williamsburg, VA in a very loving and large extended family. Tom graduated from Matthew Whaley High School and attended what is now Virginia Commonwealth University. In 1953 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, achieved the rank of Sergeant and proudly served until 1957 when he was granted an honorable discharge.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Susan West, brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Donna West, sister-in-law Pam Brant, grandchildren Jessica West (Nick) and Sean Snowden (Lindsey), great- grandchildren Christian, Mason, and Carter West and Trevor and Sydney Snowden. He is also survived by his son-in-law Jimmy Snowden and numerous treasured cousins, nieces, and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his son Mark Lee in 2014, his daughter Cathy Snowden in 2023, and his brother Edward West in 2021.

Tom had a strong faith and was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Newport News, VA from 1982 through 2014.

He made friends wherever he went and it was rare to go anywhere without running into someone he knew. Tom had a great sense of humor and a kindness and gentle spirit that drew people to him. He was a loving and devoted husband and father and a loyal friend. He had a long life filled with much love and laughter and many wonderful memories. Tom was a blessing to all who knew him and will be sorely missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 1209 Country Club Rd, Newport News, VA on October 23, 2026. Visitation will be from 11:00- 12:00, the service will be from 12:00-1:00, followed by a reception. Interment will be at 3:00 at the Peninsula Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mark Lee UNC Scholarship Fund, c/o Kenny Hopkins, 109 Freeman’s Trace, Yorktown, VA 23693