Eugene Wilson West, 87, of Salem, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2017, surrounded by his family. Gene was born September 29, 1930 and was raised in Meadows of Dan, Virginia, by his parents Wilson Cline West and Ora Eugenia Jett West. He spent most of his life here in the Roanoke Valley.

After graduating from Andrew Lewis High School in Salem, Gene attended Ferrum College and then graduated from Roanoke College in 1954 with a degree in business administration. He enjoyed a long career in the banking industry, and he retired as owner of Blue Ridge Title Insurance Agency in 2005. He was honored to be a member of the United States Marine Corps, and he served his country as a Sergeant during the Korean War. He was an avid hunter, fisher, and member of the Island Ford Hunt Club for many years.

Gene touched many lives over the course of his own. He loved being out in the woods and on the water, and he passed along that love of nature to his children. He enjoyed listening to jazz, old time, and bluegrass music, and he passed on his love of music to his children as well. He was a dedicated father, caring, and strong.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Harshbarger West, his son, Cameron Wilson West, and his sister, Odell Joyce West Neighbors.

He will be remembered with much love by his son, Warren Keith West; his daughter, Melissa Leigh West Beck and her husband, Brandon Beck; daughter-in-law Rae Norton West and grandson Malcolm Wilson West; special friend of many years, Rhoda Kemp; brother-in-law Clifton Neighbors, sister-in-law Sue Harshbarger Bagnoli; extended family, and his many friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home in Salem, Virginia, from 2:00–4:00 pm. A graveside service will be held Monday, October 9, 2017, at 11:00 am, at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.