Billy "Buster" West

Billy G. “Buster” West passed away peacefully on January 24, 2023, at his home. Buster was born in Sweetwater January 4, 1934, and just recently celebrated his 89th birthday. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sarah Wyona Hicks, on August 6, 1951. Prior to Wyona’s passing, they celebrated their 66th anniversary. They had 3 children, Connie, Janice and Greg. Buster and Wyona owned and operated Valley Electric and Plumbing Supply in Sweetwater for over 40 years. Prior to that Buster worked at the Oak Ridge complex for 11 years. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of Sweetwater. Buster served 11 years in the U.S. Army National Guard 278th Armored Calvary Regiment. His life in politics started early, with service on the Student Council at Sweetwater High School where he played football and baseball. He was a long serving member in the Jaycees, partnering with them to build the baseball field at Sweetwater Jr. High. He coached Little League Baseball for 17 years which later became the Dixie Youth program. In 1970, the Jaycees petitioned the City School Board to name the Jr. High baseball field the “Billy G. West Field”. In his first year with the Jaycees, he was named statewide “Jaycee of the Quarter” for the efforts he made in starting the Toys for Tots program. From 1966 – 1980, Buster was the color commentator for Sweetwater High School Football broadcasted on WDEH radio along with lifelong friend, Lynn Sherlin. The duo was known as “Hoss Man and Buzz”. He was first elected to the Sweetwater City Board in 1969 where he has served 29 years in various roles: Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Fire Department Commissioner, current Street Commissioner and Vice-Mayor. He is very proud of the work of the Street Department in replacement of sidewalks throughout the town, the paving of miles of city streets, the renovations of the downtown, beautification projects, including the remodeling of the gazebo, parking areas and landscaping. During his term as City Commissioner, his proudest works included the development of the Industrial Park in cooperation with the Industrial Development Board on which he served. He lobbied for improvements at Engelman Park and the construction of the Recreation Complex on Starrett Street. As Fire Commissioner, Sweetwater’s ISO rating was reduced from 6 to 5 which many said was impossible. Buster felt the most rewarding projects he worked on during his terms were: Getting the Highway 322 project started with then Governor Ellington; Lobbying to get a second Sweetwater exit (#62); Helping start the Industrial Development Board and Industrial Park; and building the first spec building in the park around 1984 to recruit industry. Buster served on the Sweetwater Utility Board for 12 years. He also served as a board member at Sweetwater Valley Bank and served through many bank changes, ending with the current Regions Bank. He served over 13 years as Chairman of the Sweetwater Museum Board and oversaw the refurbishing of the Sweetwater Heritage Museum, with the help of the Street and Recreation Department and community volunteers. In 2021, the City of Sweetwater named Buster, Citizen of the Year and receiving that award was one of Buster’s most humbling honors. Buster was preceded in death by his mother, Lenda Elizabeth “Granny” West, his beloved wife, Wyona, and his son, Greg West. He is survived by his daughters Connie (DeWitt) Upton, Janice (Dan) Baker and daughter-in-law Marcia West. In addition, he had 7 grandchildren: Jason (Becky) Upton, Jeffrey (Amy) Upton, Jeremy (Emily) Parker, Jamey Upton, Meaghan (Matt) Howard, Spencer West, and Hannah (Jordan) Black. His great-grandchildren include: Trent Walker, Taylor Upton, Makenzie (Hunter) Casto, Grant Parker, Jayce Upton, Emma Upton, Aiden Howard, Luke Parker, Marli Upton, Madden Upton, Grady Sue Parker, and Jameson West Upton. Brother-in-Law Dean Cawood, Ringgold, Georgia, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other close friends. Buster also leaves behind his very special friend and companion, Nancy Wallace Baker, close personal friend, Joe Sherlin, special sweetheart, Charlee Morgan, and his “Round Table” buddies. He especially loved “The Girls” at Sweetwater City Hall and “The Guys” at the Street Department as well as all the other City employees and community volunteers. Finally, Tommy Millsaps said it best when he said, “West was a Sweetwater man through and through and Sweetwater was at the center of his heart”. The other part of his heart was occupied by his love and dedication to his family. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 27, 2023, from 5pm to 7pm at Kyker Funeral Home, Sweetwater, TN with celebration of life service immediately following at 7pm with Rev. Ron Fisher officiating. Interment will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 11am at Westview Cemetery, Sweetwater, TN. Pallbearers will include his: grandsons; close friends, Rick Berrong, Robert Jones, Larry Anderson, Robert Raby and Dick Johnson. Honorary pallbearers include Sweetwater City Street Department Employees. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to First United Methodist Church in Sweetwater or Sweetwater High School football, basketball or baseball programs, all in his memory.

Billy "Buster" West

January 4, 1934 - January 24, 2023