Robert Gray West Jr.

Robert Gray West, age 64 of 3319 Truelove St., Sanford, NC passed on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Sanford Health & Rehabilitation. 

Robert Gray West, Jr. was born February 8, 1955 to the late Robert Gray West, Sr. and Willie Mae McNeil West in Sanford, NC.

At age 64 he closed his eyes for the last time on Thursday May 2, 2019 at Sanford Health and Rehab., Farrell Road Sanford, NC.

He met and married Sandra Faye Lee April 10, 2007 in Sanford NC; often referring to her as “Ms. West.”

He attended Lee Elementary School which was in walking distance of his home.  Later, while at Sanford Central High School, he played the position of guard in basketball with players Clark, Millhouse, Steadman, Gill, Foxx and others.

Later He made a name for himself at Sanford Central High School when he wore jersey # 44 playing running back on the Sanford Central Yellow Jackets football team. It is understood that his senior year under Coach Paul Gaye was when he ran 1740 rushing yards; the most at that time.  Those who knew him will tell you that he was “THE GREATEST RUNNING BACK” in the school’s football history at that time.

He took a brick laying class in high school and made it work for him for many years after graduation. There are public and private structures and many small projects in and around the Sanford area that he put his touch on, either while working with Smith and Burch or on his own.

At an early age he was baptized at Wall Street Baptist Church and Later in life joined New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He did whatever was asked of him; cleaning, kitchen detail, yard work, church watch, and any behind the scenes duties.

Helping, talking and enjoying others were his life’s story. Over the years he enjoyed fishing alone or with friends; especially Denard Mobley, his brother/BFF. He spoke often of his grandson, Orie who was very special to him. He enjoyed helping raise his step kids and step grand kids; forever impacting the lives of Auriyana, Quiara, Jamere’, and Janae’. His “gift of gab” was always in overdrive and was useful during his short lived involvement in catering events. He lived the fast life when he drove his motorcycle.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Mae West (1997);  father, Robert Gray West, Sr. (2000)and brother, Kenneth Lee (Kim) West (2011).

Robert leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Sandra Faye Lee West of the home; daughter, Shatwanna Ross, Cameron, NC; son, Robert Gray West III, Jamaica Queens, NY; stepchildren, Nefertari Allen and Taurice Lee both of Sanford, NC; three grandchildren, Antoinette Ross, Orie Blue, and Jonah Spears, Cameron, NC; great grandchildren, David Alvarez-Ross, Sincere Alvarez-Ross, Cameron, NC, Orianna Blue, Sanford, NC; step grandchildren, Auriyana Aguilar, Quiara Aguilar, Jamir Butler, and Jhene Butler all of Sanford, NC; sisters, Mildred Wales, Robin West, and Peggy West all of Sanford, NC; and  brother, Wade Mitchell (Bethenia) West, Richmond VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford