"The Life and Times of  Arthur "

Arthur Alfred West was born on January 16, 1957, the first child of Arthur and Rosa Bell West, in Summerville, South Carolina. Arthur affectionately known as "Al," "Mr. Arthur," and … yes, "Pop Arthur."  Arthur matriculated through Dorchester County Public Schools, completing his primary education at Alston Elementary School and graduating from Summerville High School in 1975. During high school, he was a member of the wrestling team, the Black Studies Club, and was an honor student.

Upon graduating from high school, Arthur attended Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. He later enlisted in the United States Air Force and also attended Eastern New Mexico University.

After serving in the Air Force, Arthur returned home to the Lowcountry.

In 1984, he began his career at Bosch in North Charleston, SC. Through determination and hard work, during his tenure with Bosch, he served as a Logistics Supervisor, bringing leadership and excellence to his role for years.

Arthur attended First Missionary Baptist Church in Summerville, SC, early in his youth, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior He often quoted his: favorite scripture Isaiah 6:1-3 : "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

In 1996 Arthur joined Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, SC. His desire to serve the Lord led him to merge his passion for fitness with his faith, believing deeply that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be honored as such. With an unwavering love for both physical and spiritual health as a certified fitness instructor, the Lord allowed him to encourage and motivate others to embrace "mind, body, and spiritual health."

Led as a vessel for his Almighty God he continued about "his Father's business," serving in many capacities at Mt. Moriah: Trustee, Vice Chair, and eventually Chair of the Trustee Board, Vice President of the Young Adult Ministry, and Vacation Bible School teacher.  Arthur remained faithful and was a key leader in the expansion of Mt. Moriah's facilities.

Mt. Moriah also brought Arthur to the love of his life, Jerona "Jero." Their friendship blossomed over their shared interests, most importantly their love for their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Arthur's sense of style, especially that infamous "red blazer," swept her off her feet.

They were united in marriage on October 14, 2006, and in 2008 they relocated to Charlotte, NC. In 2009, the family officially joined The Park Church, where Arthur served faithfully as Captain of the Greeters Ministry (South Charlotte), the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, South Charlotte Bible Study Group, Brotherhood Ministry, and  a Pace Setter.

Arthur's personality was one-of-a-kind—lovingly direct, refreshingly honest, and full of life. If you wanted the raw truth, you could come to Arthur, and he would offer it with wisdom and care. His humor could brighten the darkest of days, and he had a gift for reframing problems so that you could see them in a new light and think, "Of course—that makes sense."

He was a devoted follower of Christ, a steadfast family man, and a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. Everyone who knew Arthur knew his priorities: God first, Family second, and the Cowboys third… though he might jokingly admit that sometimes two and three could switch places.

A FAITHFUL HOMECOMING

On August 10, 2025, God called His faithful servant home, saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord" (Matthew 25:23).

Arthur's life was one of faith, service, love, and laughter. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the ministries he strengthened, and the family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur & Rosa Bell West;  maternal grandparents, Jesse & Rosa Bell Hollings; brother and sister-in-law, Rodney B.  & Joyce West; sister, Pamela M. West-Walker; and his best friend, Norman Harrison.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Jerona Brantley West; children, Tiara Miller of Marion, NC, Joseph Miller of Morganton, NC, and John Miller IV of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Jay'ren, Jay'nece "Skye", Javon, and Ava;  sisters, Madeline (Rev. Burnette) Mungin and Virginia R. West; West Family matriarch, Aunt Sadie Hollings; parents-in-law, Willie & Georgia Mae Brantley, Sr.; brother-in-law, Willie Brantley, Jr.; Godchildren, Maxwell (Noelle) Harrison and Sierra Mungin; lifelong friends, Sheryl Harrison, Carl & Yolanda Boller, Gail Holmes; Spiritual Parents, Rev. Dr. Augustus D. Robinson Jr. & Ruth Robinson; Spiritual Brother, Deacon Winston & Spiritual Sister, Deaconess Shirley Mack, and a host of other relatives and friends