Mr. George Washington West, Jr.

Obituary For Mr. George Washington West, Jr.

George W. “Sonny” West, Jr. was born December 1, 1946 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late George W. West, Sr. and Grace Grissom West . He was raised in a loving Christian home with his two sisters, Jean Elizabeth and Jennifer Moy.

George began his education at Spelman College Nursery School followed by first, Frank L. Stanton and later, Collier Heights Elementary Schools. At Collier Heights he distinguished himself as the school’s first valedictorian. He graduated from Turner High School in 1964, where he excelled in varsity basketball and track, the Hi-Y Yearbook staff and the Drama Club. He later continued his education at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.

During his formative years he participated in the Boy Scouts and enjoyed anything that was related to building, designing and using his hands. George was a life long member of Central United Methodist Church having answered the call of the Lord at a very early age. George loved his church and attended faithfully until his health declined.

On August 2, 1966 he married Mary Ann Smith and from that 32 year union came two children, George Keven and Traci Kenyatta.

George worked for the United States Postal Service and also managed Joe’s Barbecue in Vine City for several years becoming a favorite at family gatherings for his barbequing skills. He would later follow his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur by founding Talent Across the Nations (TAN) booking agency. Through TAN he brought numerous entertainers to the city including the Jackson 5, the Temptations and the Gap Band. In his later years, George formed a small construction and home improvement business that he maintained until his health failed.

He enjoyed playing the piano, listening to music, gardening and spending time with his family. He was especially devoted to his grandson, George and spent many hours nurturing his development.

He leaves to mourn his son, George Keven West; daughter, Traci (Curtis) Blanchard mother, Grace West Kemp; sisters, Jean (Rogers) Lewis and Jennifer Moy West; grandson, George Keven West, Jr.; granddaughter, Jada Blanchard; nieces, Caya Lewis and Imani West; nephew, Rogers Lewis, Jr.; aunts Josie Allen and Nancy Johnson; guardian cousins, Hazel Griffiths and Dollie Rozier; many, many other relatives and a host of cherished friends.